[WATCH] Leafs' Max Domi lands heavy blows on Nate Schmidt after landing a huge hit on a Panthers forward 

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi and Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt traded bombs during a heavyweight tilt on Thursday night. The tussle occurred during the first period following Domi's booming hit on Carter Verhaeghe.

After the hit, Schmidt had a few choice words for Domi, eventually challenging the Leafs forward.

Here’s a look at the original play and ensuing fisticuffs:

Domi held his own well as his father, former Toronto player Tie Domi, looked on.

Here’s a look at Tie Domi’s reaction:

Max Domi got a clear decision in his favor, giving his team a boost amid the intense battle between both clubs for the Atlantic Division lead.

Max Domi scores for Toronto Maple Leafs in losing effort

With the Leafs down 3-1, Domi scored his fifth of the season at the 4:26 mark of the final frame.

The goal put Toronto down by a goal. However, Domi and his teammates were unable to close the gap. The Florida Panthers played a strong game, keeping the Leafs from finding the equalizer.

All told, he scored a goal while playing 15:23 over 23 shifts. He also won 75% of the draws he took on the night, making Thursday night’s game encouraging for Toronto’s third-liner.

Max Domi has had an up-and-down season, registering 26 points in 57 games for Toronto. The club expected more scoring from him heading into this season. However, the 30-year-old has struggled at times, leading to criticism about his role on the team.

Thursday night’s solid performance could be the spark that leads Domi to get out of his funk and back into a more significant role as the Leafs head into the postseason. The trade deadline acquisition of Scott Laughton has moved him to the wing on the third line. Perhaps that move has led to the turnaround fans saw against the Florida Panthers.

With the Leafs 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and suddenly two points up on the Tampa Bay Lightning for second place in the Atlantic Division, the team will need depth players like Max Domi to step up and ensure Toronto secures its playoff seeding with 17 games to go.

The Toronto Maple Leafs take on division rivals Ottawa Senators next on Saturday night. The Senators are six points behind Toronto in the Atlantic Division. So, a win will be crucial for Toronto to distance themselves from the rest of the pack.