TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Islanders star Mathew Barzal was ejected from Game 5 of their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning after a cross-check to the face of defenseman Jan Rutta.
It was one of several scrums throughout the game Monday night, as tempers boiled over in the Lightning's 8-0 victory.
But Barzal's was the most noteworthy. At the end of the second period, Rutta and Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau battled in front of the Tampa Bay net, with Rutta delivering a series of cross-checks. As Rutta skated to the bench, Barzal engaged with him, delivering a cross-check to his shoulder and then one that appeared to strike Rutta across the face.