You just knew Saturday night's tilt between the Leafs and Jets was going to be a hard-fought game. Since the two squads played each other 10 times in the 2020-21 season there has been a healthy amount of hate present ever time they've met.
Last season it was a dirty knee from Neal Pionk on Rasmus Sandin that kicked off the festivities. This time it was a hit from Josh Morrissey on Nick Robertson that drew the ire of the Leafs. During the second period, John Tavares chipped the puck up the boards towards Robertson. Before Robertson could touch the puck, Morrissey came in with a hard hit - nearly a head shot - on the Leafs' young gun. Morgan Rielly instantly dropped the gloves and went after Morrissey.
It's moments like these that really show why Rielly wears an A on his chest, and why many in Leafs nation believe he would have been a good candidate for captain, had the team not acquired John Tavares. Standing up for your rookie teammates is a big part of being a leader. On this play, Rielly stepped up and showed that he is exactly that - a leader.