Leafs' Bunting gets manhandled by official during fiery exchange

Leafs winger Michael Bunting was on the wrong end of some ref-on-player violence on Tuesday night. (Getty)With edgy players on both sides like Michael Bunting, Corey Perry and others, and the recent playoff history between these two clubs, Tuesday night’s Leafs-Lightning clash was expected to be an intense showdown.

And even official Dan Kelly wanted a piece of the action.

Both teams entered the night separated by just three points in the Atlantic Division, with the Leafs holding a slight edge. So plenty was on the line for each squad during this mid-December matchup.

The Maple Leafs jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the 16:45 mark of the opening frame courtesy of Bunting’s eighth goal of the season…