The final preseason game for the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes had playoff intensity. And here’s the moment where things officially went off the rails.

Five minutes and twenty-eight seconds into the second period, the Hurricanes’ leveled Capitals players with two bad hits. Teuvo Teravainen nailed Garnet Hathaway, who was nowhere near the puck, and received an interference penalty. Seconds later, Brock McGinn hit Mike Sgarbossa in the head, sending the Hershey Bears’ leading scorer last season tumbling to the ice with his hands covering his face.

McGinn was given a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head.

Looking at the GIF, McGinn connects with Sgarbossa’s chest and chin with his shoulder. He has upward intent. The hit is completely unnecessary.

Thankfully for the Capitals (and the Hershey Bears), Sgarbossa popped right back up. And of course, boys will be boys. Orlov checked McGinn to the ice and there was a mini melee.

Sgarbossa would ultimately be okay, but the fireworks continued for the rest of the game.

Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington