Marc Staal New York Rangers
New York Ranger Marc Staal inadvertently hit MSG reporter John Giannone with the puck Thursday. Reuters

Hockey players are known for their workman like demeanor and toughness, and those qualities can apparently be contagious.

In the closing seconds of the second period of the New York Rangers 4-1 victory over the rival New York Islanders Thursday night, MSG reporter John Giannone took a shot to the his nose as he reported between the two clubs benches.

Ranger Marc Staal was only trying to clear the puck, but it struck Giannone on the bridge of his nose, and the veteran reported quipped: “My blood tastes good!”

Valiantly, Giannone spoke to the the on-air booth while the medical staff treated his gash, and said Staal also apologized.

Check out the video below recapping the incident at your own discretion :