Sergei Bobrovsky pulls terrible move on Gavin McKenna in viral scene during season opener

Every NHL player remembers their first skate onto big league ice. For Gavin McKenna, that moment came with an unexpected twist.

As the highly touted rookie prepared for his traditional debut lap in Toronto, Maple Leafs veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky placed himself in front of him to be the first player on the ice. The moment, captured on video and shared by Sportsnet, quickly went viral.

Bobrovsky is well known around the league for his pregame superstitions, and being the first skater onto the ice is reportedly one of his longstanding rituals. But the timing of it, right as McKenna was about to enjoy his once in a lifetime moment, did not sit well with fans.

The clip racked up over half a million views in just a few hours Tuesday night, during the game, and sparked a heated reaction online. One fan called it "kind of a dick move to take the moment from the kid." Another was far less diplomatic, labeling Bobrovsky a "selfish" teammate. A third quipped, "Take his number. Take his rookie lap,” hinting at McKenna’s offering of number 72 to Bobrovsky during the offseason.

Whether Bobrovsky intended any disrespect or was simply locked into his usual routine remains unclear. Veteran players across the NHL are known for their rigid pregame habits, and goalies in particular tend to be creatures of superstition.

Still, the optics were tough. McKenna's debut lap is something that only happens once, and the viral clip turned what should have been a feel good story into a debate about locker room etiquette and veteran awareness.

The game against the visiting Montreal Canadiens was intense as everyone expected and the Habs took the season opener 3-2 against the Leafs. It was a tough night for McKenna as well, who ended up with a -2 rating, two turnovers and no points in the loss.

While the game was exciting and only the first of 84 contests, the viral moment between Bobrovsky and McKenna has given hockey fans plenty to argue about, and it is safe to say McKenna's first NHL memory will be one nobody forgets anytime soon.