This was probably an easier assignment than this thing usually gets.

A bomb-defusing robot dropped the puck before the New York Rangers took on the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on Thursday night.

It was Military Appreciation Night so members of the 114th Explosive Ordinance Disposal California National Guard brought a unique guest along to do the honors.

The robot seemingly did a fine job on the puck drop.

As for the handshake though, Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh and Sharks captains Joe Pavelski saved those for the human beings.