March 27, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Michael Pezzetta (55) reacts after scoring the game-winning goal during a shootout against the Buffalo Sabers at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Montreal Canadiens winger Michael Pezzetta has carved out a niche for himself on the Habs’ roster over the past two seasons.
He was a sixth-round pick by the Canadiens in 2016 and scored 52 points in 62 games in his final OHL season. Still, he was never expected to make much of an offensive contribution at the professional level.
Nevertheless, Pezzetta brings a lot to a team. He plays with a passion and dedication that is hard to find and fights every shift. He never backs down from a fight, and he especially proved that when he fought Ryan Reaves early in his NHL career.
Things didn’t go well for Pezzetta as Reaves landed a series of heavy punches while Pezzetta struggled to stay on his feet. Reaves is considered one of the league’s true heavyweights and just signed a three-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While a division heavyweight joining the rival might worry some players, Pezzetta seemed happy to face Reaves more often this season. In fact, when speaking to Jonathan Bernier of Le Journal de Montreal, Pezzetta mentioned that he was looking forward to competing alongside Reaves this season.
The Canadiens fighter also mentioned that there is always a chance that the two will meet again and he believes a rematch would turn out much better for him.
They fight with words, in any language, and Reaves will likely take note. With the Canadiens facing the Maple Leafs on opening night, we can imagine Reaves immediately looking to assert his dominance in the Atlantic Division.
He now knows he has a willing fighter in Pezzetta, and the Canadiens winger may live to regret claiming he thought a rematch was a good idea.
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