Coach’s Corner: Condra could have protected himself

Ron MacLean and Don Cherry talk about the opening period between the Lightning and Islanders, Game 7 between the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators, and an unwritten rule.

The first massive hit of Round 2 was delivered courtesy of Casey Cizikas.

The New York Islanders forward hammered Erik Condra of the Tampa Bay Lightning into the end boards during the first period of Game 1 Wednesday.

“How many times have I said when you go near the boards – I know the guy’s a forward and he’s going back – you look who’s on the ice,” Don Cherry said on Coach’s Corner. “[Cal] Clutterbuck, [Matt] Martin and Cizikas, he takes no prisoners. You don’t go near the boards. You know he’s coming. I mean, I feel sorry for the guy but what do you think he put it [in the corner] for?”

Cherry has often dubbed that Islanders trio as the best fourth line in the NHL.

Condra was injured on the play. He was helped off the ice, assisted to the Lightning dressing room and did not return for the start of the second period. Cizikas was not assessed a penalty on the play.

Tampa Bay was leading 1-0 at the time of the hit before the Islanders scored three unanswered in the opening frame.

“I hate to see the guy hit, but kids, don’t go back like that,” Cherry added. “I’ve always said protect yourself.”

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.