The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a major setback as they prepare to play their upcoming games without their top defenseman, Morgan Rielly. Rielly could potentially be handed a lengthy suspension following an in-person hearing with the NHL’s department of player safety scheduled for Tuesday in New York. The incident in question occurred during a game against the Ottawa Senators, where Rielly cross-checked Ridly Greig in retaliation for Greig’s slap shot into an empty net with mere seconds left on the clock.
Teammate and fellow All-Star, Auston Matthews, came to Rielly’s defense by expressing his belief that Rielly’s reaction was warranted. Matthews stated that Rielly is not a malicious or dirty player, and the cross-check was a natural consequence of the play. Matthews also questioned the necessity of shooting into an empty net, suggesting that such actions invite reactions from other players on the opposing team.
Ryan Reaves, a Leafs enforcer, supported Rielly’s actions and referred to his response as “appropriate.” Reaves argued that when an opposing player takes a shot into their team’s net, it is necessary to send a message and not engage in a passive response. He also mentioned that the game has evolved, and it is unfortunate that a young player like Greig can get away with such actions while one of the Leafs’ best players could face suspension for his reaction.
Adding another layer to the situation, it is worth noting that Rielly has no disciplinary history throughout his 11-year professional career. This lack of prior infractions should surely be taken into account when considering potential sanctions against him. On the other side, Greig, who is in his first full NHL season, scored the controversial empty-netter. Ottawa Senators coach Jacques Martin expressed his dissatisfaction with Rielly’s actions, labeling it as “not a hockey play.”
Opinions among spectators, including players from both teams, varied. Josh Norris of the Ottawa Senators acknowledged Rielly’s frustration but admitted that if the roles were reversed, his team might not have appreciated the cross-check either. Norris referred to the incident as “entertaining” and implied that it was a result of the intensity of the game. Veteran forward Claude Giroux also acknowledged that emotions can sometimes get the better of players, though he expressed his disapproval of Rielly’s actions.
With Rielly potentially facing a significant suspension, the Toronto Maple Leafs must now face the reality of playing without their top defenseman. The team is already battling to secure a playoff spot in the highly competitive Eastern Conference, and losing Rielly for an extended period will undoubtedly pose a challenge. Rielly’s absence means that other defensemen will have to step up and fill the void left by his absence. Mark Giordano, another defenseman for the Maple Leafs, emphasized the importance of Rielly’s contributions, highlighting his underrated performance across all areas of the game this season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a difficult situation as they brace for life without Morgan Rielly. Rielly’s potential suspension following the incident against the Ottawa Senators has raised questions about the appropriate response to provocative actions on the ice. Despite differing opinions among players and spectators, it is clear that the loss of Rielly will be a significant blow to the Leafs as they fight for a playoff spot.
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