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.
NECAS GETS HIT INTO THE ISLES BENCH AND THEN PUNCHES SOMEONE 😳 pic.twitter.com/QYjsPyKMvA
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 22, 2023
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.
Kyle Palmieri of the @NYIslanders on the Martin Necas bench punch, which wasn't penalized.
"J.G. made a nice hit on him. He was probably a little upset going into the other team's bench. It is what it is. It’s an emotional game. Brock’s got a face mask on. I’m sure he’s OK." https://t.co/Q8AI4r0d76
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) April 22, 2023
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?