Connor Murphy learned an important lesson during the first period of the Capitals-Blackhawks game. Do not try to land a stupid hit on Alex Ovechkin, especially one at the end of the period, or your face will be pummeled multiple times.

Radko Gudas, a former division rival who used to be hated by Caps fans, came to Ovechkin’s defense and metaphorically told Murphy you can’t do that.

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just don't hit Gudas' teammates… okay? pic.twitter.com/mapQ0FD2Ep

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) October 20, 2019

As Alex Ovechkin reaches for the puck with two seconds left to play, Murphy looks to blow up one of the greatest players of all time with a high hit in the Capitals defensive zone.

Radko was like nuh uh and off came the gloves. As the two players angrily converged, they fell to the ice. Gudas landed on top and repeatedly punched Murphy in the ear.

Incredibly, a fighting major was not doled out to each player despite both players dropping the mitts. Instead, both players were given matching minors for roughing and Gudas was given an extra two minutes for cross-checking.

Gudas, honestly, instant fan favorite in spite of his history.

— RMNB (@russianmachine) October 20, 2019

This is the second straight game Gudas has stuck up for a teammate. Against the Rangers Friday, he fought Brendan Lemieux after the Ranger leveled Kempny with a headshot in his first game back from injury.

Lemieux targets Kempny, Gudas takes exception 🥊 pic.twitter.com/rTivgP4kc0

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) October 18, 2019

Radko Gudas. He definitely has some Matt Bradley in him.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Blackhawks

Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington