Preventing is a part of the NHL, however so, too, is sportsmanship.
Right through the primary duration of Monday night time’s Minnesota-San Jose recreation, Wild ahead Marcus Foligno and Sharks defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov were given right into a battle.
It was once the primary battle for Knyzhov, who was once enjoying in his 20th NHL recreation. It was once the 45th occupation NHL battle for Foligno since he entered the league in 2011-12.
It was once a mismatch as Foligno tied up Knyzhnov and landed a number of giant right-handed punches, slicing the defenseman’s face.
However Foligno, figuring out his opponent was once bloodied, referred to as for the linesmen to get a divorce the battle. Knyzhnov attempted to get in a punch, Foligno gestured once more and the linesmen stepped in.
Foligno then recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick (objective, lend a hand, battle) by way of simply previous the midpoint of the sport as he drew the secondary lend a hand on an Ian Cole objective at three:36 of the second one duration now not lengthy after he completed serving his preventing penalty.
He then scored at 10:48 on a shot that deflected off Nicolas Meloche’s stick and floated previous goalie Martin Jones for a Four-1 lead.
It was once the 3rd Gordie Howe hat trick of Foligno’s occupation.
