In tonight's preseason game between the Canadiens and the Leafs, things got heated after Timothy Liljegren levelled Logan Mailloux.
Leafs and Canadiens Players Respond to Big Hit By Liljegren
The new-look Maple Leafs have been touted all offseason for bringing in tougher players like Ryan Reaves and Max Domi. However, tonight they got some big physical play from Timothy Lilegren, and Logan Mailloux was on the receiving end.
In a play along the boards, Mailloux tried to skate the puck into the Leafs zone. Lilegren quickly closed the gap and laid a massive hit on the Canadiens' top prospect. He didn't take kindly to the hit and responded accordingly.
Big Hit Set The Tone For the Rest of The Game That Has Seen Some Physical Play After The Whistle
This hit was a tone-setter for the rest of the period, which saw several players getting into it after the whistle. Not to the surprise of many, Max Domi got himself into the mix and even young prospect Nick Robertson showed he wasn't willing to back down.
Robertson and Xhekaj are next
Domi to Xhekaj: F--k off
The Leafs are hoping to make a new reputation for themselves this year, one that will prevent teams from taking liberties against them like they have in the past. If tonight's game is any indication, it appears everyone in the Blue and White is willing to get in the mix.
As seen on Blade of Steel - "Things get chippy after Logan Mailloux gets leveled by a surprising Toronto Maple Leafs player"