Boston Bruins rookie Matthew Poitras found himself in an unexpected altercation with Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Emil Andrae during the third period of Tuesday night’s game. While battling for a loose puck, the two players got tangled, and the physical exchange escalated when Andrae threw a punch at Poitras. Poitras quickly retaliated, leading to a brief skirmish before officials intervened. Both players received roughing minors for the incident.
After the Bruins’ 2-0 loss, Poitras expressed his frustration over the unexpected punch, describing it as a “sucker punch” and noting that he was focused on battling for the puck. Despite the intensity, Poitras remained composed post-game, downplaying the altercation as something that can “happen” in the heat of the moment.
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The Philadelphia Flyers clearly aimed to challenge Matthew Poitras physically, testing the resilience of the 5-foot-10, 180-pound rookie forward. Throughout the game, Poitras encountered the rough-and-tumble style often directed at smaller players in the league, including a hard hit from Flyers forward Joel Farabee as he moved up the ice.
Poitras is no stranger to this kind of treatment, as opponents routinely target him with physical play to disrupt his game. Despite the heavy hits and the altercation with Emil Andrae, Poitras demonstrated his willingness to stand up for himself, showing a competitive edge that Bruins fans have quickly embraced in his early NHL career.
Matthew Poitras, known far more for his finesse and skill than his fighting prowess, rose to the physical challenge posed by the Flyers, demonstrating he won’t be easily pushed around. However, he was clear that engaging in scrappy confrontations isn’t his preferred or necessary way to prove himself.
“I’m just focused on playing my game,” Poitras conveyed post-game, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining his play style rather than being drawn into unnecessary altercations. While he showed he’s not afraid to stand up for himself, Poitras remains intent on letting his skills speak for themselves as he carves out his place in the NHL.
Poitras downplayed any focus on the physical side, emphasizing his approach to the game. “I don’t really think about that,” he said. “I go out and play hockey. If that type of stuff happens, then it happens. It’s part of the game. Always going to try to protect yourself.”
His calm, matter-of-fact response reflects his focus on hockey fundamentals rather than getting drawn into physical battles. Poitras is prepared to handle whatever challenges come his way, but his main priority remains showcasing his skill and contributing to the Bruins’ success.
