Chris Neil and Matt Carkner Latest NHL Players to Make Cheap Opponents Respond

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a time when teams need to come together, and the Ottawa Senators are doing just that.

At 15:31 of the first period in Game 1 of their series against the New York Rangers, opponent Brian Boyle threw several punches at Erik Karlsson with his gloves still on after the two were shoving.

Early in the second game, Matt Carkner went after Boyle, dropping his gloves and punching him as Boyle did nothing in response.

Later, Chris Neil challenged Boyle as well, making him pay further for going after the Senators' young superstar defenseman.

Earlier this week, a similar response was made by Todd Bertuzzi of the Detroit Red Wings. 

In Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, Shea Weber not only punched Henrik Zetterberg in the back of the head, but pushed his face into the glass as well.

The NHL barely slapped Weber on the hand for the incident, giving a $2,500 fine and no suspension.

Bertuzzi made him answer for his actions and challenged him to a fight in the next game. Weber dropped his gloves.

Before the playoffs started, an incident occurred including two other playoff teams that are involved in a series.

With one week left in the regular season, the Pittsburgh Penguins' Joe Vitale took a run at Danny Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers late in a blowout game.

In the next game, Philadelphia's Harry Zolnierczyk fought Vitale. Though Zolnierczyk might be the Flyers' worst fight and he did terrible, it was good for him to stand up for his teammate.

Often times the NHL rules do nothing to protect players, leaving it to the players to take care of business.

Fans should be happy with the players who tried.

Jason Sapunka covers the NHL and Philadelphia Flyers. He is available on Twitter for updates, analysis and commentary.

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