When referencing John Scott of the Buffalo Sabres, I choose to use quotation marks when calling him a “hockey player” because his level of hockey skill is an embarrassment even for the ‘goon’ label he’s tagged with. He’s basically paid solely to hunt, fight and injure opposing players, which is why what happened to him on Sunday afternoon is so great.
During the first period of the Sabres tilt against the Islanders – the final game of the season for both non playoff-bound squads – Scott dropped the gloves with NYI rookie Justin Johnson. As the two engaged, the MSG broadcasters calling the fight called it a “David vs. Goliath” matchup – understandable considering Johnson is 5’10, 220 lbs and Scott is 6’8, 270 lbs.
But the script got flipped when the 32-year old Johnson, who made his NHL debut just a few days ago, knocked Scott right on his ass with a haymaker to the face.
After riding the bus and playing minor league hockey for nearly 15 years, it only took Justin Johnson a few games to become an American hero in the NHL. Worth it? Worth it.
About Pete Blackburn