Watch: Habs' Josh Anderson pummels Tom Wilson with haymakers in retaliation for Kaiden Guhle hit

The Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals game on Thursday night featured a heated fight between Habs forward Josh Anderson and Caps winger Tom Wilson. The altercation erupted in response to Wilson's big hit on Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle earlier in the game.

As the third period came to a close, Anderson took issue with the hit on his teammate and challenged Wilson to a fight. The two squared off, exchanging several heavy punches that sent their helmets flying.

In the end, the Habs forward put Wilson down with several punches. The linesmen eventually intervened to break it up.

Watch the video below:

Wilson made history by achieving his Gordie Howe Hat Trick in the match, which involves scoring a goal, providing an assist and engaging in a fight.

The Capitals defeated the Canadiens, 6–3.

Fans react to Josh Anderson's fight with Tom Wilson

Josh Anderson's fight with Tom Wilson during Thursday's game between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals had hockey fans buzzing on social media.

Fans have been sharing their thoughts and analyses of the fight online. One fan assessed the brawl between the two, tweeting:

"Josh humbled old man Wilson, get it right, easy decision for Anderson."

Another fan wrote,

"Wouldn’t say Tom rocks him… if anything Tom lost that one but took pretty much no damage."

Here are some fan reactions to Josh Anderson's fight:

"Washington’s enforcer gets fed by a guy who fights once a year. Pathetic." one fan wrote on X.

"Technically, this period was a massive improvement upon Tuesday night's." another fan wrote.

"About time, but what a disaster of a team defensively. Is MSL going to be the American Turkey on the 28th?" a user commented.

"I very much enjoyed watching Josh Anderson beat the wheels off of Tom Wilson right here ." another user wrote.

The Montreal Canadiens will look to rebound from the 6-3 loss when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. The Washington Capitals host the Colombus Blue Jackets next.