If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now

Gushing blood as he left the ice, Coronato returned to the bench a few minutes into the third sporting a massive stitched-up gash across his nose.

"I just had to have Matty's back," Huberdeau said. "I mean, that was a pretty dirty hit from behind."

Huberdeau's last fight came as a member of the Florida Panthers when he fought Paul Byron during the 2018-19 pre-season.

"You just gotta step up for the guys sometimes. It's not my type, but just get out there and try to protect your player," said Huberdeau. "We're a close team, we know that, and I think any guy is going to do that for every player."

Ryan Huska, who called the play a "terrible hit," wasn't shocked to see his alternate captain defend a teammate.

"Not surprised, to be honest with you," said the Flames coach. "Hubie is one of the best team guys I've been around, like in every sense of the word. Whatever we need, he's more than willing to do it for the team.