Leafs' Michael Pezzetta Ejected After Tussle With Official

Pezzetta assessed game misconduct for abuse of officials in loss to Ducks

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:20am

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta was ejected from Monday's game against the Anaheim Ducks after getting into a shoving match with a linesman. Pezzetta was originally assessed a minor penalty for roughing but then attempted to escape his restraints and pursue Ducks captain Radko Gudas further, leading to the game misconduct.

Why it matters

Pezzetta's ejection was part of an ongoing physical battle between the Leafs and Ducks, stemming from an earlier incident where Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas injured Leafs star Auston Matthews. The animosity continued throughout the game, with Gudas and Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe also receiving roughing penalties.

The details

Pezzetta, 28, was in the starting lineup as part of the Leafs' response to the Gudas-Matthews incident earlier in the month. After knocking Gudas into the boards and giving him a few extra shots, Pezzetta was assessed a minor penalty for roughing. But he then tried to break free from the linesman restraining him, leading to the game misconduct.

  • The incident occurred at the 2:49 mark of the second period.
  • The Leafs were trailing the Ducks 3-1 after 40 minutes of play.

The players

Michael Pezzetta

A 28-year-old forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who was ejected from Monday's game against the Ducks for abuse of officials.

Radko Gudas

The captain of the Anaheim Ducks, whose earlier hit on Auston Matthews sparked the physical play between the two teams.

Jake McCabe

A defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs who received a roughing penalty along with Gudas later in the game.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and physical play between the Leafs and Ducks, stemming from the earlier Matthews injury. It also raises questions about player discipline and the role of officials in controlling the game when emotions run high.