First period dustup leads to ejections of Rangers' Dubinsky and Sens' Carkner from Game 2

Ottawa Senators' Matt Carkner (39) leaves the ice during the first period of Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the New York Rangers Saturday, April 14, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Ottawa Senators defenceman Matt Carkner and New York Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky were ejected early in Game 2 of the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

Just 2:15 into the game Saturday night, Carkner began unloading punches on Brian Boyle while the two were pinned against the side boards in the Ottawa end. Boyle fell to the ice, and was still receiving several blows from Carkner while trying to cover up.

As players from both teams gathered along the wall and exchanged shoves and words, Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky charged in to help Boyle. When things settled down, Carkner and Dubinsky were ushered to the penalty boxes.

While referees sorted out the penalties, Dubinsky became incensed in the box—apparently aware that he had been ejected. When the official announcement was made, Dubinsky stormed toward the tunnel and threw a full water cooler as he marched out of view.

Carkner was given a major penalty for fighting, but the Rangers failed to take advantage of the 5-minute power play. He also received a minor penalty for roughing, that was cancelled out by one given to Dubinsky.

The Senators clearly targeted Boyle, who landed a few punches to the head of 21-year-old defenceman Erik Karlsson after the whistle during New York's 4-2 win in Game 1 on Thursday night.

Later in the first period of Game 2, Boyle fought Chris Neil.

Carkner, who wasn't in the Ottawa lineup for Game 1, replaced former Rangers defenceman Matt Gilroy in the rematch.