Matt Martin shows INCREDIBLE restraint in fight against player returning from injury - HONOURS hockey CODE

During the first period, Leafs forward Noel Acciari delivered a questionable hit to Islanders forward Brock Nelson. Nelson, who had turned on the play, was hit from behind by Acciari in a vulnerable position, which drew no penalty from the referees. Despite the lack of a call, it was clear that the hit had upset the Islanders bench.

It's not uncommon for players to stick up for their teammates, especially when a star player like Nelson is involved. And so it was no surprise when, in the third period, Islanders enforcer Matt Martin took matters into his own hands and challenged Acciari to a fight. The Leafs forward, perhaps sensing the gravity of the situation, accepted the challenge.

Matt Martin does not have time for Noel Acciari's shenanigans pic.twitter.com/QJNW2ogK5j— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) March 22, 2023

In the end, the fight did little to change the outcome of the game, but it sent a clear message to the Leafs that the Islanders were not going to take any cheap shots lying down. It also showed that the Islanders had each other's backs, and were willing to do whatever it takes to protect their teammates.