Ryan Reaves makes his feelings extremely clear while addressing Arber Xhekaj's taunts during Leafs' 7–3 win over Canadiens

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves shared his thoughts on Arber Xhekaj’s actions during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 7–3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. In the first period, with the Canadiens leading 3–0, Reaves challenged Xhekaj to a fight. Xhekaj declined and pointed to the scoreboard.

However, the game shifted as the Maple Leafs scored seven unanswered goals to secure the victory.

After Tuesday's practice, Reaves discussed whether the 7–3 loss was Xhekaj and the Canadiens' karma.

"I guess so, yeah," Reaves said. "I think when you're a younger guy, and you do that to somebody who's been in the league for that long, you know, maybe that guy's not going to give you one, when you need one.

You know that anytime there's a fight, somebody needs some momentum. And you know, if he needed momentum, and ask me, and I'll give it to him. Then, you know, I expect it back, and I would have, I would obliged if he would have done it there. But you know, you want to point the scoreboard and then get rattled off for seven, then that's tough luck."

Reaves has played 29 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2024-25 season. He has recorded two assists, and a -1 rating, with 23 penalty minutes this season. He is averaging 7:51 of ice time per game.

Reaves is known for his physical play and team presence. He has played 906 games, recording 63 goals, 74 assists and 137 points. He has also accumulated 1,095 penalty minutes.

Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning without Ryan Reaves in the lineup

The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5–3 on Monday at Scotiabank Arena. However, Ryan Reave did not play in the game.

Auston Matthews scored first at 4:06 in the opening period. William Nylander made it 2–0 on a breakaway at 13:45 of the second. Nick Paul answered with a deflection goal at 16:07, cutting the lead to 2–1.

Matthew Knies scored late in the second, putting the Leafs ahead 3–1. In the third, Darren Raddysh scored to bring Tampa closer at 3–2. Knies added another goal on a rebound, extending Toronto’s lead to 4–2. Paul scored again at 12:05, making it 4–3.

Mitch Marner secured the win with an empty-net goal at 18:55. Joseph Woll made 27 saves for the Leafs.