SEARCH
                 


Ryan Reaves says the challenge from Michael Pezzetta was confusing (w/video)

PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
November 17, 2021  (7:40)
SHARE THIS STORY

Tuesday night during a game between the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers, Habs rookie Michael Pezzetta decided to do something not a lot of players in the NHL are willing to do any more; challenge Ryan Reaves. Like him or not, Reaves is one of the last of the dying breed in the NHL; a player whose only purpose is to fight and defend teammates. While you have to credit Pezzetta for his gumption, the fight ended the way many thought it would, with Reaves absolutely dominating. Following the game, which the Rangers won 3-2, Reaves said Pezzetta challenged him, which he found somewhat confusing.

"I was very confused about what was going on," Reaves said. "It was the second time in my career I was confused on whether it was a guy from the minors – an absolute killer – trying to try to make a name or something," said Reaves.

"Both ended the same way," he added with a smile.

While the fight was a highlight of the game, it was an ill-timed decision by Pezzetta. The teams were tied at 1 at the time and the Canadiens had just scored a goal to get things back to even. Pezzetta is a feisty character looking to hang on to his spot with the team and probably saw this as an opportunity to show his worth. It didn't go as planned, but it was sure fun to watch.