WATCH: Leafs’ Domi fights Ducks’ Radko Gudas following opening faceoff
You knew it was going to happen.
On Monday night, the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs met for the first time since Radko Gudas hit Auston Matthews in the knee, ending Matthews’ season. Gudas was given a five-game suspension, but many in Leafs Nation didn’t believe the ban was strong enough.
The hit resulted in a torn MCL for Matthews, ending his season. Gudas was suspended five games for his actions, which was the fifth suspension of his career. The Leafs faced criticism for not immediately standing up for Matthews when the injury occurred, with Toronto defenseman Morgan Rielly stating afterwards that he takes “full responsibility” for not responding to Gudas in the moment.
That didn't take long. Radko Gudas fights Max Domi immediately after puck drop in his return to the lineup 🥊 #FlyTogether
So, in came the first rematch between the two teams.
Gudas was injured last week, but made it clear he wanted to take part in the game, regardless. And just seconds into the first period, Maple Leafs forward Max Domi dropped the gloves with Gudas in what most Leafs fans view as an act of revenge.
Gudas is well-versed in the fight arena. He entered the game with two fights in 2025-26, taking on Jeff Viel in November and Garnett Hathaway in January. Gudas had 25 fights in the first two seasons of his NHL career alone, so he isn’t afraid to play on the edge.
Domi, meanwhile, has now engaged in four fights this season, all coming in the second half of the campaign.
The Ducks currently sit first in the Pacific Division with a 41-28-4 record. The Leafs, meanwhile, are on the verge of getting eliminated from playoff contention after entering the game with a 31-30-13 record for 75 points.
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