It was Max Domi who fought Radko Gudas, 18 days after Gudas ended Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews’ season. Now, Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has explained why Domi was chosen: he’s the most fearless player on the team.
Last night’s game ended with a 5–4 overtime win for the Leafs. The Anaheim Ducks, however, remain at the top of the Pacific Division. The Maple Leafs’ win means they are not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoff race.
READ MORE: Max Domi’s promise to Radko Gudas after Auston Matthews’ injury
Radko Gudas hit on Auston Matthews
But the result was not the focus on Monday night. Instead, attention was centered on Ducks captain Radko Gudas. In the previous meeting between the two teams, Gudas ended Auston Matthews’ season with a knee-on-knee hit. Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion in his left leg, sidelining him for 12 weeks. Gudas later apologized for the hit and played through an injury last night, ultimately facing the repercussions of his actions.
Why Max Domi got the fight
Just three seconds into the first period, Gudas was forced to drop the gloves against Max Domi. Gudas did not fight back and absorbed the consequences for injuring the Leafs’ captain. Speaking to reporters after the game, Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly explained how the team decided to let Max Domi take the fight.
“He’s a character guy, he’s fearless, and it speaks to all that. That’s who he is,” Rielly said, according to Sportsnet writer Luke Fox.
Next up, the Maple Leafs will face the San Jose Sharks. The Ducks’ next game is also against the Sharks.
READ MORE: Radko Gudas stuns fans in Max Domi fight
