The Washington Capitals signed penalty killer and checking line forward Garnet Hathaway to a four-year, $6 million contract over the offseason. The former Flame did not distinguish himself much during the preseason – well, that is, until Sunday when he was a part of some of the chippiest parts of the game.
Hathaway delivered the biggest Capitals hit of the exhibition season, leveling right wing Brian Gibbs with a huge open-ice check.
Eleven seconds later, Roland McKeown challenged Hathaway to a fight. He did not win.
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Gibbs did not keep his head up and paid for it.
The hit came six minutes after Hathaway was nailed in neutral ice without the puck by Teuvo Teravainen. Brock McGinn hit Mike Sgarbossa with a headshot seconds later.
McKeown would challenge Hathaway to a fight in the Capitals offensive zone. Hathaway threw seven punches, including several while McKeown was laying on the ice.
Hathaway and McKeown were given five minutes each for fighting. In the penalty box, Hathaway flashed a sly smile.
Yeah. I’m going to like this guy.
Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
