Ryan Leonard drops the gloves for the first time in the NHL!

If you're a fan of the Washington Capitals you probably would have prefered to see young stud forward Ryan Leonard pick an easier opponent for his first ever fight in the National Hockey League, but either way you've got to admire his courage.

Leonard and the Capitals played a game they would likely rather sooner forget against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, one that saw the Blue Jackets explode for a 6-0 lead early in the game and one that was clearly very frustrating for the Capitals themselves.

Not only were the Capitals pummeled on the scoreboard but there were several instances of big hits and physical altercations on the ice, including what will now go down as Leonard's first ever fight in the big league.

During the second period, Leonard was on the receiving end of some rough stuff from Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly, a much bigger man. In spite of the size disadvantage however Leonard was having none of it, giving it right back to Kuraly before dropping the gloves to let the veteran forward know that it was time to throw down.

This was a bit of an awkward one because several players jumped in to try and stop the fight, with Kuraly and Leonard eventually separating themselves from the pack and throwing down. Once the fists started to fly it was clear that Leonard was outmatched both in terms of size and experience in this one, but he held his own until Kuraly dropped him with some heavy shots to the head.

Here's a look at the replay:

Did Leonard do the right thing? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.