Michael Pezzetta's gesture during Condotta fight is making waves in Montreal

Maple Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta's decision to fight Lucas Condotta came with one intention in mind - making Montreal pay for a late hit.

Pezzetta came into the game as a forward who is trying to keep his NHL hopes alive, and on Saturday night he at least staked his claim as one of the tougher members of the roster.

Playing as part of Toronto's 'B' squad, Pezzetta actually got into a scrap early on with Montreal's Lucas Condotta which led to him getting a two-minute instigator penalty alongside a ten-minute misconduct that kept him off the ice briefly.

Michael Pezzetta makes the Canadiens pay for their dirty play

But it was why he decided to drop the gloves that's making waves, and just because Pezzetta is a former Canadiens player doesn't mean he's going to take too kindly to any dirty hits. After Toronto's Marc Johnstone was hit way after the whistle blew, Pezzetta immediately skated in and took umbrage with Condotta.

While we can't show you the fight, it was a heated scrap that already created an intense atmosphere between two of hockey's most bitter rivals.

The Montreal faithful also isn't too happy that Pezzetta decided to go after Condotta especially considering he was one of their own at one time, but the Maple Leafs forward has made it known that he's ride or die for Toronto.

Pezzetta's actions show the Maple Leafs are tired of being pushed around

Pezzetta wasn't the only Maple Leafs player who got into a scrap on Saturday night as Teddy Blueger ended up dropping the gloves in the same game, meanwhile Marshall Rifai took on Florian Xhekaj during the 'A' squad game.

This is nothing new from Pezzetta, as he's known to get physical with everyone and anyone but it's a sign that the Maple Leafs aren't going to put up with any nonsense.

After last year's non-response to Auston Matthews' injury, the team is now ready to mix things up even if there's no injury - it's about setting the tone.

It might not give Pezzetta an immediate avenue to make the Maple Leafs, but if he keeps on stepping up when needed most, he could become a player who sets the tone in a future call-up.

At least he's doing another important job too: annoying and frustrating the Canadiens fanbase.

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