Philadelphia Flyers right winger Wayne Simmonds was ejected halfway through the first period of Saturday's game against the New York Rangers for sucker-punching captain Ryan McDonagh.
It started with Simmonds checking McDonagh into the boards in front of the Rangers bench. McDonagh lifted his stick up to protect himself, but in the process he hit Simmonds in the back of the helmet with it. Simmonds turned and retaliated by whacking McDonagh in the back of the legs, and McDonagh returned the favor with a slash to Simmonds' chest. Simmonds ended things with a sucker punch to McDonagh's face.
McDonagh headed to the locker room and did not return to the game. He was given two minor penalties for high sticking and slashing, which were served by Oscar Lindberg.
Simmonds, however, was given an "intent to injure" penalty, which is a 10 minute match penalty, along with a game misconduct. Simmonds did not take the news well, as he broke his stick and threw it towards the referees before heading to the locker room.
The incident set the tone for the hard-fought game, which ended in a shootout with the Rangers edging the Flyers 3-2.
Video via SportsNetCanada. H/T PD, NYDN.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
