Toronto Players Respond To Incident During Saturday's Game

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Matt Garland
February 12, 2024 (3:17 PM)

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There is no doubt that Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly was incensed by the actions of Ottawa Senators forward Ridley Greig causing him to loose his cool and cross-check Greig in the face. This is likely to lead to Rielly's first suspension of his 11-year NHL career.

Rielly received a five-minute major and a game misconduct Saturday night for his actions on Greig.

Long-time tough guy around the league Ryan Reaves was asked his thoughts on Greig's empty-net slapshot.

"If you rewind to when I came into the league he's probably still laying on the ice. I thought (Morgan Rielly's response) was appropriate. I don't see how a kid that young thinks it's appropriate to do something like that."

Reaves continued:

"Ryan Reaves candidly about his thoughts on the Rielly hearing, says he was surprised it got to that level and it's a different game than he grew up in.

«Make hockey violent again, a tattoo I should get.»

The 37 year old, Reaves came into the league during the 2010-11 season. During that season there were over 700 fights recorded. Compare that to last year's number of 334 fights, it further illustrates the game is in a different place.

While Rielly waits on the The NHL's Department of Player Safety to give their ruling he can feel confident that at least his teammates have his back.