GOTTA SEE IT: McMichael Drops The Gloves, Fights Kelly After Hit On Carlson

After sitting as a healthy scratch for the first four games of the season, Connor McMichael finally got the call to draw in for the Washington Capitals and make a statement against the Ottawa Senators. And in his first game back, he did just that.

At the tail end of the second period with the game tied 2-2, Parker Kelly landed a huge check on John Carlson. McMichael didn’t take a liking to that at all, and dropped the mitts in his first career NHL fight.

It wasn’t much of a tilt, as one of his gloves stayed on while he tackled Kelly to the ground. They didn’t exchange many punches. Both were given five-minute fighting majors in what was a penalty-filled period for the Capitals.

Here’s the showdown:

John Carlson took a big hit in the neutral zone, and Connor McMichael took exception.

GET 'EM YOUNG FELLA 🥊😤 pic.twitter.com/Jq8QuTVZkU

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) October 21, 2022

McMichael has only fought once in his entire hockey career, last dropping the gloves back in 2018 while he was still with the OHL’s London Knights.

READ MORE ON WHN: Washington Capitals Fighters Discuss Art Of Dropping The Gloves & How To Win

For the 21-year-old, it’s quite a way to step up in his first game back. McMichael played under six minutes up until that point, and he’s looking to make his way back into the lineup full-time with Connor Brown out long-term.