Boston Bruins defenceman Matt Bartkowski was ejected following a hit on Buffalo Sabres winger Brian Gionta in the first period on Sunday night.

Gionta, who is five-foot-seven, fell hard to the ice at the Sabres' blueline after an emphatic check from Bartkowski, who is about six inches taller.

Bartkowski was assessed an interference major for the hit and then picked up a fighting major after droping the gloves with Marcus Foligno in the ensuing moments. 

When the dust settled, Bartkowski had also been assessed a 10-minute misconduct and was ejected from the game with Boston leading 1-0 at the time.