Andrew Mangiapane created perhaps the most talked-about moment in an otherwise sleepy 3-1 victory for the Washington Capitals over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday afternoon.
With the Capitals on a power play looking to extend their lead at the 9:34 mark of the third period, a net-front scrum broke out as Connor McMichael attempted to jam home a loose puck. Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo and forwards Elias Lindholm and Charlie Coyle took exception to McMichael’s extra whack and started throwing blows.
Despite being seven inches shorter than the six-foot-five Carlo, Mangiapane came to McMichael’s aid by dragging the big blueliner out of the pile. The 28-year-old winger then got the better of an off-balance Carlo behind Boston’s net and went to work using some old-fashioned ground-and-pound MMA offense.
Per HockeyFights.com, Mangiapane does not have a single fight credited to him in the NHL, AHL, or during his junior career in the OHL. Carlo has seven career fights on his NHL ledger.
“Yeah, he was feisty,” Logan Thompson said postgame. “I’ve never seen that out of Mangiapane. I was impressed. I don’t think I’d fight [Carlo] so good for him.”
Mangiapane, McMichael, Carlo, and Coyle were all assessed two-minute minor penalties for roughing. McMichael, who had an earlier scuffle with Charlie McAvoy, had his mouth bloodied in the confrontation.
Among the Capitals regular skaters this season, Mangiapane ranks tied for 13th in penalty minutes (10). He has only taken five minor penalties in 36 games.
