Malkin agreed to fight Wheeler out of respect: 'I knew it wasn't a great hit'

As hard as it may be to believe, two men exchanged punches to the face out of mutual respect for one another.

Pittsburgh Penguins star center Evgeni Malkin was taken to task by Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler for a high and dangerous hit during the last meeting between the two clubs Wednesday night, and the former obliged because that's just what hockey players do.

Related: Malkin, Wheeler settle score by dropping gloves

"I knew it wasn't a great hit. I respect (Wheeler). I was ready", Malkin said, per Pens Inside Scoop. "It wasn't my greatest fight, couple punches. I lost. One fight is enough for me"

For his part, Wheeler said he had a lot of respect for Malkin answering the bell, adding, "It was good to get that out of the way."

That settles that, then.