SUNRISE, Fla. — David Pastrnak’s hands are best utilized when the 27-year-old winger is dangling past skaters or uncorking one-timers from the left circle.
As for throwing haymakers? It’s far from Pastrnak’s forte.
But after Panthers wing Matthew Thachuk challenged him in the waning minutes of Wednesday’s Game 2 matchup, Pastrnak did not hesitate.
It was far from an even fight, given Tkachuk’s pugnacious reputation. While Pastrnak had just one career fight on his resume entering Wednesday night, the Panthers power forward has 20 fights during regular-season action.
But Pastrnak had few regrets over his scrap with Tkachuk, even if one of his opponent’s right jabs popped the Bruins’ forward’s bucket off his head.