Garnet Hathaway was suspended three games on Wednesday for spitting on Erik Gudbranson. The bruising forward joined the Capitals on their one-day road trip to New York City but sat out after finding out his fate.
After the game, Hathaway spoke to the media and unintentionally dropped one of the greatest puns in hockey history.
Video
Hathaway’s interview starts at the 4:20 mark of the video
“You know, [the spitting suspension] was tough to swallow because I want to be out there with the guys,” Hathaway said. “I felt helpless tonight. I let the guys down in the room and I let the organization down, but in the end, I respect the league’s decision. I had a fair opportunity to explain my side of things and how I saw the events unfold. I don’t plan on appealing anything. In my view, it was a hectic situation coming out of a fight, there was a second and third and fourth man in. I got sucker-punched a few times and I let my emotions take over. I had an emotional reaction that I regret and I wish it didn’t happen. No one is more disappointed than I am.
“It’s one of those things too, after I had my fair chance to explain my side, and then it was out of my hands. As a team, I hope we can move past it.”
Hathaway revealed that the league said his behavior violated a rule “under intent to injure. That’s how they categorized it.”
The Capitals forward and his active salivary glands will be eligible to return November 29 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Hopefully, next time Hathaway gets spitting mad, he’ll be able to swallow down the urge.
And use his fists, not his spits.
Though admittedly he certainly has the gift of the gob.
Headline photo: @Capitals
