The Capitals and Islanders developed a pretty healthy dislike for each other during last year’s playoff round, and that bad blood carried over to Thursday night.
In the first period of tonight’s game in Brooklyn, Washington forward Marcus Johansson caught Thomas Hickey with an illegal check to the head:
Johansson only received a two-minute minor on the play, one that temporarily forced Hickey from the contest. (Upon returning, Hickey was then blasted by Caps tough guy Tom Wilson.)
The Johansson hit wasn’t well received in Barclays -- as you can imagine -- and drew the ire of several on social media as well:
Don't know how Johansson gets only a minor. Egregious elbow to head of Hickey. #isles
— Andy Graziano (@AndyGraz_19) January 8, 2016
I would think Rangers will face a Marcus Johansson-less #Caps team after that nasty elbow to Hickey's head #NHL #Isles #NYR
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) January 8, 2016
That hit was crazy. And Butch is fired up. Hickey knocked down and Johansson goes to the box for 2. #isles on PP.
— Shannon Hogan (@Shannon_Hogan) January 8, 2016
Johansson shoulder right to Hickey's head. Gets a minor, Hickey gets a trip to the dressing room. #Isles PP
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) January 8, 2016
One can expect the NHL’s Department of Player Safety to review the incident.
