"This aged poorly", "Bros scared of getting smoked": NHL fans react as Arber Xhekaj's taunting rejection of Ryan Reaves' invitation to fight backfires

During the first period of Saturday’s game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and and Montreal Canadiens, Ryan Reaves challenged Arber Xhekaj to a fight. At the time, the Canadiens were leading 3-0 with goals from Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine and Josh Anderson.

Xhekaj, instead of accepting, pointed to the scoreboard showing the Canadiens' 3-0 lead and waved Reaves off. The moment was shared widely on X, with fans commenting on Xhekaj’s confidence. However, things quickly changed in the second and third periods, as the Leafs scored seven unanswered goals to secure the win.

Fans reacted to Xhekaj’s earlier taunt on Ryan Reaves.

“Oh, this aged poorly.” one fan said.

"Bros scared of getting smoked," another fan commented.

"He didn't take the bait, he's thinking of his team for once. It's obvious , reeves hasn't played forever but they bring him in to do this," another said.

Here are some more reactions to Ryan Reaves’ challenge on X::

"I mean , habs are up 3-0 and have the momentum against the “best team in the world” … why would he fight this bum when #75 declined to fight him in the 1st game this year ??????🤣" a fan wrote.

"And final is 7-3 Leafs. Who's pointing at the scoreboard now," another fan shared.

"Reaves trying to be relevant. Only knows how to fight, that’s it. The Sheriff knows better, he’s not scared as weefs fans will try falsely claim," another added.

Ryan Reaves and Maple Leafs’ 7-3 comeback win over Canadiens

The Maple Leafs defeated the Canadiens 7-3 in a comeback win at Bell Centre. Kirby Dach scored first for the Canadiens at 5:08 of the first period, making it 1-0. At 18:21, Patrik Laine added a power-play goal, firing a slap shot from the left circle for a 2-0 lead, with Lane Hutson and Nick Suzuki assisting.

Josh Anderson made it 3-0 just nine seconds later, scoring on a backhand after driving to the net.

The Leafs began their comeback in the second period. Bobby McMann started the Leafs’ rally with a goal, followed by Nicholas Robertson scoring on a power play to close the gap. By the start of the third period, William Nylander tied the game 3-3 just 24 seconds in.

Toronto dominated the third period. Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored the go-ahead goal on a power play, and Auston Matthews added a shorthanded goal. Steven Lorentz extended the lead, and David Kämpf sealed the game with an empty-net goal.

Ryan Reaves and the Leafs will next play against the New York Rangers on Sunday.