As avid hockey watchers, fans are used to seeing enforcers or ‘on ice policemen’ dropping the gloves in support of their team.
We rarely see superstars use their hands for things other than scoring goals and dishing pucks, but when it happens it’s pretty special.
That’s what happened Sunday evening when Jets’ forward Patrik Laine and Penguins’ superstar Evgeni Malkin discarded their gloves and began throwing fists. With only 10 minutes left in a 5-1 stomping, Malkin, clearly frustrated, gave a shot to Laine before slashing Tyler Myers.
Laine took exception to the attack from the Russian forward. Laine let his gloves loose and tried to get a piece of Malkin. Not many fists were thrown before teammates and linesmen jumped in, but it’s the thought that counts.
Developed into a “pick-a-partner”
The altercation didn’t escalate to a full-on fight, but it looked almost certain that the two forwards would throw punches if given the opportunity.
The encounter quickly became ‘pick-a-partner’ as every member on the ice had an opposing player to dance with. An old-fashioned line brawl would not ensue, but the seeds were certainly planted.
Laine has never been in a fight at the NHL level, and Malkin has tallied a few fights over the years. Winnipeg would add two more to their goal total, dropping the defending Champs 7-1.
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https://youtu.be/7UeItNIr4po
