8. Curtis Joseph
Curtis Joseph, affectionately known as “Cujo,” was a fan favorite wherever he played, known for his incredible athleticism, acrobatic saves, and never-say-die attitude. But beneath the mask, Joseph also possessed a fierce competitive spirit and an unwavering tenacity that often bordered on nasty.
Joseph accumulated 227 career penalty minutes, a solid number for a modern-era goaltender. He was not one to back down from a challenge and was often seen engaging in verbal sparring and minor scuffles in front of his net. He had a short fuse and was quick to react if he felt an opponent was taking liberties.
While not a prolific fighter, Joseph had several memorable altercations, often showing a surprising amount of strength and aggression when defending his crease. He famously squared off with enforcers like Bob Probert and Tie Domi, refusing to be intimidated. But his biggest tilt was in 1993 against the Red Wings where he fought Tim Cheveldae.
Brendan Shanahan, who played against and with Joseph, commented: “Cujo was one of those goalies who just hated to lose. He’d scratch, claw, do whatever it took. He wasn’t going to let anyone disrespect his net. You always knew you were in for a battle when he was in goal, and sometimes that battle got a little physical.” Joseph’s nastiness was born out of an intense desire to win and an absolute refusal to yield.
