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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cory Woodroof

Canes center Martin Nečas punched a random Islanders player after being pushed into the New York bench

Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Nečas was not about to let a perfect opportunity pass him by to, well, punch a random member of the New York Islanders on Friday night.

As the Canes and Islanders squared off in the opening round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, Nečas got knocked into the New York bench by Isles center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

Nečas decided to take advantage of the moment by getting a light punch in at New York center Brock Nelson before he went back to the ice.

Everyone on the Isles bench reacted with shock and annoyment as Nečas swiftly got away after landing his very quick punch, which wasn’t penalized by the referees.

This really is just one of those golden moments that only playoff hockey can give you. 

Like, that is just prime slapstick comedy. In real life, you should never punch someone under any circumstance. In a sport that’s known for its petty brawls, y’know, at least make it funny.

Islanders winger Kyle Palmieri did take the brief swipe at Nelson in stride.

Hey, hockey is hockey, and as long as nobody actually got hurt, this was pretty humorous. New York also won Friday’s game 5-1, so everybody wins?

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