“We love him” – John Tavares backs Michael Bunting as Evander Kane ROASTS ‘Mikey’ in Leafs vs Oilers game

Micahel Bunting and Evander Kane's fight steams off the ice as both players receive minor penalties for an ensuing wrestling match on the ice.

<strong>“We love him” – John Tavares backs Michael Bunting as Evander Kane ROASTS ‘Mikey’ in Leafs vs Oilers game</strong>

Michael Bunting ensues scrum with Evander Kane [Image Credit: Saltwire]

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting is very well known for not engaging in physical fights, at least since 2019 in AHL. Saturday night’s game ensued a scrum between Leafs forward and Edmonton Oilers Evander Kane, painting a slightly different picture. 

Both players were given double minors for roughing in the 3rd period by the league. Despite all commotion, Kane didn’t shy away from a few shots at Bunting for his playstyle, accusing him of diving and embellishing in-game. The Leafs won the match 7-4, handing the Oilers loss in the playoff season race.

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During a post-game interview, Kane roasted the Leafs forward stating, “He likes to dive and embellish”. “You want to get that out of the game but they [officials] prevent guys from the consequences of those actions.” 

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“A lot of the time they get in the way, sometimes, the refs. I think fighting is a great deterrent to those type of players and action and it just prevents guys from having to answer the bell and he’s a perfect example of that.”

Related: WATCH: John Tavares fined $5K for slashing Vincent Desharnais in Leafs 7-4 win against Oilers, NHL Twitter reacts

Michael Bunting receives support from John Tavares following scrum with Evander Kane

Michael Bunting [Image Credit: Sportsnet]
Michael Bunting [Image Credit: Sportsnet]

To Evander Kane’s comment and accusation, Michael Bunting decided to take the high road stating he doesn’t care what the Oilers forward has to say. “I don’t really care, to be honest”. “I’m not going to lose sleep over it. Yeah, [he] made a few comments, but I’m not really the type to bring it to the media. So, I’m just going to leave it at that.”

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares came to his support stating they love Michael Bunting and his play and it doesn’t matter what others have to say. “Bunts is just trying to play hard”. “Obviously, [Kane] has his own opinion, but I think Bunts is trying to play hard and be on the fine line.” 

“He plays with a lot of emotion. We love him. We think he’s a great teammate and that’s all I really have to say about it.”  Leafs goaltender, Ilya Samsonov stated smilingly on Sunday regarding Bunting’s actions in the game, “Dirty Mike”. “Like Brad Marchand do it, yeah? It’s the same thing”.

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On the other hand, Bunting blamed Evander Kane for ensuing the wrestling match, “I was breaking out and he got in my way and kind of held me all the way down”. “I just tried to get to the net because I knew we were on the power play so I wanted to get to my position and the rest unfolded.”

“If it comes to fighting, it comes to fighting”. “I’m not against fighting. I still think it’s part of our game and it’s going to be for a while. You just have to protect yourself and be competitive every single shift and that’s what I try to do,” Bunting commented.

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