WATCH – Michael Pezzetta performs ICONIC Tiger Williams pose following shootout victory in game against Sabres

Michael Pezzetta’s iconic pose honoring Tiger Williams went viral over the internet, as NHLers talk about his perfect pose and moments of celebration.


<strong>WATCH – Michael Pezzetta performs ICONIC Tiger Williams pose following shootout victory in game against Sabres</strong>

Michael Pezzetta and Tiger Williams [Image Credit: Cornwall Standard/Pinterest]

Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Pezzetta rocks Dave “Tiger” Williams’ iconic celly following a 4-3 shootout victory against the Canadiens. Pezzetta made headlines online not only for his shootout victory but for perfectly notching the iconic celebratory pose of Tiger Williams.

He admitted that it was the result of the sudden adrenalin flow that urged him to do the pose, but it’s something he’ll never regret nor forget. Thanks to him, the fans at KeyBank Arena got a jolt from their usual cheering. Pezzetta rode his stick like Tiger after scoring the winner in the 6th round of the shootout.

YouTube video

Monday night called for a celebratory mood, as Pezzetta told reporters following the game, “It was definitely a tribute to Tiger Williams”. “I think I was just like: Heck, I might never get a chance where if I score it’s to win the game. I know maybe it was a little bit much. But it’s funny and I think I’ll definitely remember it.”

FS Video

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Michael Pezzetta performs perfect Tiger Williams celly on ice

Michael Pezzetta [Image Credit: RDS]
Michael Pezzetta [Image Credit: RDS]

Dave “Tiger” Williams played with many NHL teams prior to his retirement after the 1987-88 season. He’s been part of the NHL teams like the Maple Leafs, Canucks, LA Kings, Red Wings, and Hartford Whalers.

In a total of 962 National Hockey League career games, he scored 241 goals and 272 assists, the most recorded in National Hockey League. During Monday’s game, the rookie Michael Pezzetta has been referred to have a bit of “Tiger” in him too.

Looking back at his play style, he is not afraid to drop the gloves or risk a score to lead the team to victory. When asked about his goal celebration, Pezzetta told, “I thought it was funny”. “I was just pure adrenalin and it was something I thought about maybe sleeping at night and I was just like: Heck, let’s just do it.

He replied that it was not pre-planned, nor did he practice the move before. It all came down to him as he was high in adrenaline. He talked about Tiger stating, “I haven’t watched (Williams) live, but I’ve seen him do that celly and I’ve watched a few of his games (on video) and he was always an entertainer.”

It was just nice to get an opportunity there”. “And being the last guy that if I scored it was the winner was definitely exciting and something I’ll never forget. “I was kind of looking down the bench”. 

I knew I probably didn’t play a lot today, but I was looking down the bench. I’ve got a move and I know the coaches know that. I think it went a little deep enough (into the shootout) that I could get a chance, so it was fun.”

Apart from his Tiger’s performance, he spoke about his game and his shootouts with the AHL team, “I got an opportunity last year and I did ring it off the post pretty hard. I was thinking: I’m probably not going to get another opportunity again.” 

But I know Burr had me in the AHL and I was 50 per cent down there. … So I think he knew that I had a move and I was looking down there. So when it got a little later (in the shootout) I was hoping that I’d get the chance again. I was ready for it.”

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