Noel Acciari explains why it was so important to honour hockey's code, despite his recent injury

On Tuesday night the Toronto Maple Leafs displayed one of their most lack luster performances of the season in a 7-2 murking at the hands of the New York Islanders.

With 1:12 to go in the first period, Nelson left the ice and did not return following a questionable hit from behind by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noel Acciari.

It was an unfortunate play, Nelson was chaning directions at the time Acciari committed to the hit, forcing the Maple Leaf player to hit Nelson right between the numbers.




Acciari was not penalized on the play but did drop the gloves with Islanders forward Matt Martin in the third period, a fight that the officials broke up rather quickly.


Acciari was asked how Martin handled the situation:



Kudos to both players on how this situation was handled. Martin stood up for his injured teammate and let up when he knew he clearly had the upper hand in the fight. Credit to Acciari for accepting the challenge and taking his beating with some pride.

Acciari's heart, and tenacity has been on full display since being acquired in a blockbuster with the St. Louis Blues. As a Leaf fan I am hoping management can lock him up to a long-term deal this summer.