GTA kid Michael Pezzetta makes immediate impact one second into his first shift as a Maple Leaf

Michael Pezzetta got physical right away, dripping the gloves right off the faceoff to start the game between the Leafs and the Anaheim Ducks.

Pezzetta, who was recalled from the Toronto Marlies, fought right out the gate against Ducks forward Jeffrey Viel.

In a season where the Maple Leafs have searched for a consistant spark, Pezzetta provided the exact brand of grit the home crowd at Scotiabank Arena has been waiting for.

The 27-year-old Pezzetta, who has spent 200 career NHL games, all with the rival Montreal Canadiens, makes his NHL debut tonight against the Ducks.

Signed to a two-way contract with Toronto in free agency, Pezzetta has appeared in 37 games with the Marlies, scoring four goals and 10 points.

Pezzetta, playing on the fourth line for the Leafs tonight, has played a grinder role back in Montreal, and has built a role as a pro as a physical presence, including in the Marlies.

Like Pezzetta, Viel is another heavy hitter, having been fifth in AHL penalty minutes last season with 148. Both players seem ready for confrontation right off the bat, and got it.

The fourth line starting off the night between the two sides made it likely that a fight was pre-planned, meant to bring energy right away to this game, and both teams knew it.

Bringing some much needed intensity to the lineup, Pezzetta is bringing the exact energy that the Leafs need to break through their losing stretch.

A bright spot early for the hometown Pezzetta to gain the adoration of Leafs fans only a second after stepping onto the ice.

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