Kyle Clifford, who looked like he might be stuck on the farm for a while a few weeks ago, stepped up against Tom Wilson in the second period. The Washington strong man was having his usual boisterous hometown night against the Leafs, running over Mark Giordano, bumping the mask off of goalie Jack Campbell in what could be classified ‘accidentally on purpose’ in an intense game and when the score began getting out of hand (a 7-3 final), Wilson went looking for a dance partner to inspire his team.
Clifford is hardly a novice NHL pugilist, but few tangle with Wilson and his 1,300-plus penalty-minute rap sheet. Clifford stayed in to get a shot or two in as Wilson connected with force and the two yapped in the penalty box afterwards.
