Friday’s Game 3 matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders was a frustrating night for Carolina, which boiled over in a huge way for Hurricanes center Martin Necas.
The Hurricanes were trailing late in the third period. It appeared very clear that they were heading towards a loss in the matchup. This along with a massive hit from an Islanders player on Necas seems to have caused him to lose his cool.
Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau unleashed an absolutely huge hit on Necas, sending him into the Islanders’ bench. Before getting back onto the ice, Necas decided to sucker punch one of the Islanders players sitting on the bench.
NECAS GETS HIT INTO THE ISLES BENCH AND THEN PUNCHES SOMEONE 😳 pic.twitter.com/QYjsPyKMvA
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 22, 2023
No repercussions came during the game, but this is certainly something that could be looked at by the NHL ahead of Game 4 of the series.
Playoff hockey in the NHL is obviously physical, but even fans who love the intensity of the playoffs believe that this should probably result in a suspension for Necas.
Gotta be 1 game or at least a pretty decent fine. Ya can’t do that.
— james (@jamescarrello) April 22, 2023
Very unprofessional move by Martin Necas.
After being thrown into the Islander's Bench, he threw a punch at Nelson. If I was the NHL, I'd fine Necas. #isles #NHLPlayoffs— Christopher Leone (@Chrisleone1_) April 22, 2023
The rule should be that if you check a guy into your bench he gets to punch your friends. https://t.co/yW8yQdvTCW
— Jeremy White 🚂 🚂 🚂 (@JeremyWGR) April 22, 2023
playoff hockey rules https://t.co/v8jLPsJcjN
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) April 22, 2023
https://twitter.com/saviorified/status/1649592772515573763
Islanders player Kyle Palmieri discussed the altercation after the game, calling it an “emotional game”.
“JG 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 so I’m sure he’s okay.”
What happened with Necas at the end?
Palmieri: “JG 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 so I’m sure he’s OK.”
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) April 22, 2023
If Necas does ultimately receive a suspension for this dirty punch, it would be extremely concerning for the Hurricanes and could certainly cost them in a big way.
Necas has been one of the most important players for the Hurricanes this season, leading the team in points in the regular season.
[BR Open Ice on Twitter] Photo Credit: TBS
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.