Watch: Zdeno Chara levels Cedric Paquette with a throat punch

Tuesday was the first time the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lighting had faced off all season, but apparently that’s enough for Boston Captain Zdeno Chara.

At 4:03 of the third period Chara was called for boarding lighting defenseman Matt Carle. As he attempted to make his way toward the box, Lightning center Cedric Paquette planted himself in Chara’s way.

Check out what happens next:

Things really didn't have a chance of ending up well for Paquette who weighs in at 6'1", 198 compared to the giant better known as the Big Z who tips the scale at 6'9", 255 pounds. 

The lesson: don’t poke the bear. 

The Bruins went on to win a back-and-forth game by a 4-3 score. 

-- Whitneigh Kinne