Kreider appeared to try throwing Tkachuk’s mouth guard into the stands during Game 4

There are times during hockey games where players will do silly things that get caught on camera.

One of those instances took place during Tuesday's Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers.

It was early in the third period when a scuffle ensued following a whistle just inside the Panthers blue line.

Both teams came together for some pushing and shoving, with Florida's Matthew Tkachuk and New York's Chris Kreider in the middle of the mix.

As the two were jawing at each other, Kreider appeared to snatch Tkachuk's mouth guard and toss it over the glass.

Tkachuk is known for gnawing on his mouth guard, which usually is hanging halfway out of his mouth, during games.

Fortunately for Tkachuk, who said afterwards that he only has the one mouth guard that he uses, and for Kreider, who could've faced a harsh penalty, the small piece of protective gear didn't actually make it into the crowd.

"I just have the one," said Tkachuk. "Luckily it didn't go over the stands, he just threw it up in the air, so I got to wash it off and use it."

Rule 53 of the NHL Rulebook is dedicated to throwing equipment, and there is one part of the rule that addresses throwing gear into the stands.

According to the NHL rulebook, specifically rule 53.5, a game misconduct will be issued if a player "intentionally throws his stick or any part thereof or any other object or piece of equipment outside of the playing area."

Additionally, if the action is done while protesting an official's decision, the player is also given a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct in addition to the game misconduct.

Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice didn't think much of the toss, at least not as much as the rest of the hockey world.

"I didn’t spend nearly as much time on it as it seems other people have," Maurice said through a smirk. "Three years ago you couldn't stand within six feet of people and you were going down, now we've got mouth guards flying everywhere. I don't get it."

The Panthers may have won Game 4 on an overtime goal by Sam Reinhart, but much of the talk after the game has been of Kreider’s toss.

Asked about it a day later, Tkachuk was quick to offer up the verbal jab he delivered to Kreider regarding the incident.

“I told him that was the best play he made all game,” Tkachuk said.

Ultimately, it doesn’t sound like anyone is taking what happened too seriously.

There are far more important things to worry about than flying mouthpieces.

“It's not the first time that's happened, actually,” Tkachuk said. “Normally they just give it back. I think last time they took it and then threw it right back at me, so this time was a little bit different. It is what it is, the game within the game. Playoffs, gotta love it.”

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