At the end of the first period, Brenden Dillon *officially* became a Washington Capital when he attempted to punch Evgeni Malkin’s face many times.

Brenden, welcome to the rivalry. You can now stay forever.

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Dillon and Malkin came to blows after Nic Dowd stood overtop of a fallen Patric Hornqvist in the crease. For whatever reason, the temperamental Penguins superstar didn’t like that too much so he punched Dowd right in the chest.

Dillon came to the rescue and that’s when all hell broke loose.

protecting vulnerable teammates: ✅
by fighting away a pissed off pen: ✅
A Washington Capital: Brenden Dillon pic.twitter.com/FBoDSzEFml

— b. (@youripides) February 23, 2020

After getting shoved by Dillon, Malkin repeatedly tried to punch the new Capitals defenseman in the face. After that didn’t work out well, Malkin covered his face as Dillon unleashed a flurry of rights that eventually popped the Russian’s helmet off his head.

Malkin just held on and eventually grabbed Dillon’s face mask. Eventually, the two were separated by officials and were given matching double-minors for roughing.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Penguins

Headline photo courtesy of NBC