WATCH: Pheonix Copley of the LA Kings gets thrown out of the game for blocker punches

LA Kings goalie Pheonix Copley was ejected from the game for landing punches with his blocking gloves on during an altercation with the Anaheim Ducks. The game ended with the Kings winning 6-3 against the Ducks, who are rock bottom of the Pacific Division with a 17-33-6 record.

19:36 minutes into the second period, Ducks forward Max Jones tangled up with three Kings defensemen when Frank Vatrano skated in front of Copley and threw a left jab at Copley's helmet.

Copley joined forces with Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson to lay a couple of blows onto Vatrano. The goalie delivered some punches to Vatrano but had his blocking gloves on his right arm. He eventually shook them off eventually, but it was too late for him.

NHL Rule 51 states that a referee can issue a match penalty if "a goalkeeper uses his blocking glove to punch an opponent in an attempt to or to deliberately injure an opponent." The match referee found Copley in violation of this rule and handed him a match penalty, immediately ejecting him from the game.

Ducks goalie John Gibson wanted in on the action and skated to center ice. He banged his stick, calling Copley out for a fight. But the officials stopped both goalies before they could even get closer to each other.

Both goalies, Pheonix Copley and John Gibson, were handed minor penalties for leaving their creases. Vatrano and Jones were given roughning minors along with Kings' Anderson and Doughty.

LA Kings head coach is impressed with Copley's recent performance

When asked about Copley's recent performance, head coach Todd McLellan said he was impressed with Copley and his ability to grasp the opportunity that he was given.

"He was given an opportunity, and he made good on it. You can't write a better script than that."

Copley, who stopped 16 of 17 shots on Friday, has been a revelation for the LA Kings this season, with a 17-3-1 record and a 2.70 goals-against average and a .904 SV%.

The LA Kings recently signed Copley to a one-year, $1.5 million contract extension.

Copley was given some playing time in lieu of the struggles of Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen. Quick currently has .880 SV% and a 3.44 goal-against average, whereas Petersen has a .868 SV% and 3.75 GAA in the 10 games he's played in the 2022-23 NHL season. The 31-year old has had a resurgence this season and has cemented his starting position for the LA Kings heading into the Stanley Cup playoffs.