Fear goes out the window when adrenaline takes over.

The Washington Capitals dished out some payback after Pittsburgh Penguins grinder Tom Kuhnhackl hit Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby behind his net Thursday night, and the retribution came from an unlikely source.

Capitals forward Justin Williams thrust himself into the ensuing scrum, catching Pittsburgh tough guy Tom Sestito from behind with a couple of punches.

Kuhnhackl was given a minor for roughing Holtby. Here's a look at the hit that started the melee.

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