Take a bow, Will Cuylle! The New York Rangers delivered one of the best open-ice hits of the season on Sunday against Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. But fans weren’t happy with what happened afterward, with everyone saying the same thing about it.
The New York Rangers played the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, and the Rangers set the tone straight away. J.T. Miller, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last week, started his night off with a big hit on a former Ranger, Brett Howden, but that was just the start of a physical and intense game between the two teams.
Later in the game, with just under seven minutes left in the third period and the Rangers leading 3-2, it was time for Will Cuylle to step up. Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo had possession of the puck in his own zone, and just as he passed it to a teammate, he was caught off guard.
Will Cuylle’s amazing open-ice hit
Will Cuylle didn’t hold back at all as he made the biggest open-ice hit of the season. Cuylle appeared to make contact with Pietrangelo’s head, but the overall feeling among fans was that it was a clean and well-executed hit from Cuylle.
No penalty was called on the hit, and although it was deemed clean, Pietrangelo’s teammates felt the need to retaliate, with Nicolas Hague dropping the gloves to fight Cuylle.
On social media, fans praised Cuylle’s hit, but many also expressed their frustration about how he was forced to fight because of it.
“I appreciate a good fight in the right moment. But it’s frustrating that we’re at the point where every big, clean hit results in a fight out of obligation,” one said.
“Shouldn’t have to fight there,” another said.
Overall, some even said it was the biggest hits they’ve ever seen, and it’s tough to argue. What a train!
READ MORE: Martin Brodeur names the best save of his legendary career
