Brendan Smith earns a standing ovation from fans after challenging Connor Clifton.
NEWARK, N.J. -- A message needed to be sent, and New Jersey Devils veteran Brendan Smith was more than happy to deliver.
The Devils hosted the Buffalo Sabres Saturday night at Prudential Center. It was the second meeting between the two teams and the first since Sabres' defenseman Connor Clifton injured Nico Hischier.
On Oct. 27, New Jersey's captain was hit by Clifton along the boards. It resulted in the NHL Player Safety handing Clifton a two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head and Hischier missing the next 11 games.
As fate would have it, Hischier returned Saturday night. Fans were waiting for one of his teammates to send a message to Clifton, and with less than two minutes left in the first period, Smith obliged.
He and Clifton dropped the gloves and got tangled up in front of the Sabres' netminder, where Smith quickly bested his opponent as the referees skated over. Both players received two-minute penalties for roughing. As the versatile Devils player skated down the tunnel, the fans at Prudential Center showed their appreciation by giving the vet a standing ovation with thunderous applause and cheers.