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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski is no strangers to bringing regular-season (or even postseason) intensity to preseason games. A couple of years ago he earned a massive suspension from a hit in an exhibition game and on Sunday he dropped the gloves in a barnburner with the Penguins' Joe Vitale.
The bout came in the third period of the Jackets' 5-4 win on Sunday night when Wiz and Vitale came together in the neutral zone. It started with some small shoves and then escalated into this.
Holy haymakers, Batman, that's a serious fight. Canelo Alvarez is jealous of Wisnewski for how many power shots he was able to land in a single fight.
Vitale was evaluated after the game, which is understandable considering the scrap he had just taken part in. On Monday coach Dan Bylsma said there was no update on Vitale's status at this point.
For Wisniewski this was the final piece of a preseason Gordie Howe hatty as he had the goal and assist earlier in the game.
"I loved it," coach Todd Richards said of the fight (via BlueJacketsExtra). "When I think of James Wisniewski, I think of what has made him the player he is. It's the edge, and playing on that edge with intensity. He showed me a lot tonight."
S/t to HockeyFights.com
