Boston Bruins defenseman Michael Callahan cross-checked Anaheim Ducks center Jansen Harkins during Wednesday night's NHL game at the Honda Center.
It happened at the 13:58 mark of the second period with the Ducks leading 1-0. Ducks center Nikita Nesterenko skated toward the goal with the puck with Callahan chasing. Nesterenko took the shot and Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo stopped it, but couldn't control it.
Callahan turned and saw Harkins skating for the loose puck and cross-checked him right in the neck, taking him down. At the same time, the puck bounced off Callahan's skate and deflected into the net, giving Nesterenko credit for an unassisted goal and extending the Ducks lead to 2-0.
The Bruins take a double-minor for high sticking AND give up a goal simultaneously ðŸ˜ðŸ˜… pic.twitter.com/I9HEK4MVqT
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 27, 2025
We have seen our share of ugly cross-checks in hockey, and this one is up there with the worst of them. Callahan was sent to the penalty box, but he was only given a two-minute minor for high-sticking. Not sure why this wasn't called a major by the officials, but at least they didn't miss the call altogether.
Harkins would get his revenge on Callahan in the third period when they dropped the gloves and fought at the 4:12 mark. Harkins got the best of Callahan in the fight before they were both sent off for five minutes each.
In honor of 96-97, Brett Harkins's nephew fights Boston's 14th defenseman Michael Callahan. pic.twitter.com/OOptiWxWHA
— dafoomie (@dafoomie) March 27, 2025
In the end, the Ducks pulled away and won the game 6-2. The Bruins have lost 15 of their last 18 games, including 7 straight with this loss.
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.
