"The Leafs went a full step above a ceremonial fight before playing out the game as if it were any other. They went back after Gudas again and again, dragged other Ducks into the mess that Gudas made, and nearly doubled Anaheim in hits."
"Domi was also the right candidate to step up against Gudas in the end. Bigger players were on the ice, but he's the most skilled, experienced fighter on the team, with only Michael Pezzetta rivalling him in that conversation."
"While I liked that they went at him right away and more than once, it actually might've tipped into the Leafs spending too much time on Gudas, who was clearly just offering himself up as a punching bag."
"To be fair, Pezzetta and Domi were both ejected by the midway point of the game, and they seemed to be."
The Leafs showcased a strong response following a controversial incident, with players like Max Domi, Michael Pezzetta, and Jake McCabe leading the charge. They engaged in multiple confrontations with Radko Gudas, demonstrating a commitment to physicality. Domi, as the most skilled fighter, played a pivotal role, while Pezzetta's recent addition to the team added depth. Despite their aggressive approach, there were moments where the focus on Gudas may have detracted from targeting other Ducks players. The game ended with a 5-4 overtime victory and significant penalty minutes.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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