ELMONT — New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier is typically a pretty reserved guy.
That concept went out the window in the second period of the Devils’ tilt with the New Jersey Devils on Sunday evening at UBS Arena.
The Devils held a 3-0 lead over the Islanders with just about three minutes remaining in the middle frame. With the puck in the neutral zone along the wall, Anders Lee throws a questionable hit against Devils captain Nico Hischier. Lee made knee-on-knee contact with Hischier that unquestionably angered Meier, who didn’t hesitate to drop the gloves and go pound for pound with the Islanders’ captain.
The result?
New Jersey’s captain headed down New Jersey’s tunnel and did not return for the second period. Fortunately, Hischier returned to the game in the third period.
For defending Hischier, Meier was assessed a two-minute penalty for instigating, a five-minute major for fighting, and a 10-minute game misconduct. Lee was assessed a five-minute major for kneeing and an additional five for fighting.
Meier’s fighting major capped off a Gordie Howe hat-trick after the Devils’ power forward already deposited a power play goal and dished a primary assist to New Jersey’s franchise forward Jack Hughes.
Meier doesn’t fight often, his last knuck chuck coming back in the 2022-23 season as a member of the San Jose Sharks when he dropped the mitts with Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo.
Meier’s tilt with Lee marked his fourth career fight in eight NHL seasons.
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