WATCH: Linus Ullmark was ready to PUMMEL Matthew Tkachuk as Bruins take 3-1 1st-round series lead, NHL Twitter reacts

Hell breaks loose in Game 4 of the 1st-round series as Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark looks to fight Matthew Tkachuk after provocation from Panthers forward.

WATCH: Linus Ullmark was ready to PUMMEL Matthew Tkachuk as Bruins take 3-1 1st-round series lead, NHL Twitter reacts

Linus Ullmark vs. Matthew Tkachuk [Image Credit: Boston.com]

Tempers flared in Game 4 between netminder Linus Ullmark and Matthew Tkachuk in the final minutes of Sunday evening. Although NHL fights are a common sight for fans, playoff scrums add a different taste to them. Just as much as Ullmark was ready for a fight, fans were hyping them up to go forth with it.

Unfortunately for them, the NHL officials didn’t share the same sentiment. Due to their intervention the fight was stopped before either could land a solid hit. The Panthers’ agitator successfully agitated the Bruins netminder as the 29-year-old challenged the alternate captain. 

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With 3:11 minutes remaining, Ullmark exited the game, but that didn’t stop the Bruins from taking a 3-1 1st-round series lead.  The Bruins destroyed the Panthers with a score of 6-2 as Ullmark killed 41 shots from the opponents. 

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Linus Ullmark excites Boston crowd by challenging Matthew Tkachuk to a brawl

Linus Ullmark vs. Matthew Tkachuk [Image Credit: 98.5 The Sports Hub]
Linus Ullmark vs. Matthew Tkachuk [Image Credit: 98.5 The Sports Hub]

During the 3rd period, Bruins defenceman Derek Forbort and Brandon Carlo tagged Matthew Tkachuk near Boston’s goal, signaling the start of the scrum. Boston goalie Linus Ullmark didn’t waste the moment to pick a fight with Panthers’ agitator, riling up the fans in the process.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery was full of praises for his goalie as he stated, “I love it. He’s all in”. Carlo commented, “Tkachuk’s kind of doing a lot of things to try and get under our skin but for the most part, we’re doing a great job of keeping it between the whistles, and I’m proud of our group for doing so”. 

“But at times, you’ve got to show a little passion and push back.” Taylor Hall had 2 goals and 2 assists, one in the final 3:36 minutes and 2nd as an empty netter. Jake DeBrusk, Brad Marchand, and Tyler Bertuzzi all enjoyed their own goals. 

Conor Ryan said, “I think we’re gonna keep Linus’ hands intact, and not let him risk breaking anybody’s face”. “So we’re gonna leave it like that,” as per RMNB. the goalie has undoubtedly played a crucial role in the series and his presence will be needed for further victories.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice stated, “I liked the way we started. Certainly didn’t like the end result. But we’ll go into Boston feeling free”. If Boston can keep their winning streak up they’ll be advancing to the second round for the 5th time in the past six seasons.

Although NHL officials stopped the faceoff between Ullmark and Tkachuk, Bruins Garnet Hathway failed to leave the scrum uninjured. After a cross-check from Tkachuk to his back, Hathway stayed still on ice even after dispersing the crowd. A 2-minute penalty was called on Tkachuk for his actions.

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