John Scott is a big man. At 6’8″ and 270 lbs, he’s one tough cookie playing for the Buffalo Sabres. Scott plays the role of an enforcer on the ice, or more often than not, the goon.
Justin Johnson, on the other hand, is listed at 5’10” and 222 pounds. He’s a 32 year veteran forward of the AHL playing in his first NHL game with the New York Islanders.
If you were have these two square off against each other, you would probably assume that Scott would take the fight pretty easily. In last nights season finale, however, the tale of the tape was quite different.
During warm ups, Scott and Johnson stretched near each other at center ice and discussed the possibility of a fight. Once the game game got going, the two didn’t waste much time starting their battle. After a pretty hot start to the fight, and a flurry of quick punches, Johnson landed a hard left on Scott which sent the big man to the ice real quick. It was the most unexpected play of the night.
While Johnson clearly won this bout, Scott was quick to laugh off the unusual fight succumbing to a shrug with a “what are you gonna do?” look on his face as he grinned.
Perhaps unnoticed, but certainly not unappreciated, Johnson was careful with his opponent. After his helmet popping punch, Johnson was sure to hang on to Scott’s jersey as he went down, protecting his head from hitting the ice.
What a great bout with some great sportsmanship. Perhaps we’ll see more out of Johnson next season?
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