The NHL Department of Player Safety has imposed a five-game suspension on Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly for a cross-check to the head of Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig. The incident occurred after Greig scored an empty-net goal with just a few seconds remaining in the game. The NHL deemed Rielly’s actions as an intentional and forceful strike to an opponent’s head, using his stick as a weapon. This has sparked a debate over the appropriateness of Rielly’s response and whether he is being unfairly singled out due to his association with one of the league’s most scrutinized teams.
The Department of Player Safety scheduled an in-person hearing to consider the severity of the incident, but due to a snowstorm, the meeting had to be conducted remotely. Despite the option of a longer suspension for an in-person hearing, Rielly only received a five-game ban. This decision means that his appeal, if he chooses to lodge one, will be heard exclusively by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Rielly will also forfeit $195,312.50, which will go towards the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Maple Leafs stood by Rielly’s actions, with their coach Sheldon Keefe even stating that they were “appropriate.” The team’s captain, John Tavares, expressed their willingness to “stand their ground when necessary.” Star center Auston Matthews defended Rielly by stating that he was not a malicious player and argued that Greig’s provocative empty-netter warranted a response. On the other hand, Greig’s teammates acknowledged that he may have broken an unspoken rule with his slap shot, but they felt that Rielly’s response was too harsh.
The incident has sparked a league-wide debate concerning Greig’s sportsmanship, the appropriateness of Rielly’s response, and the potential bias of NHL Player Safety towards the Maple Leafs. Some argue that Greig’s actions were unsportsmanlike, as he shot a slap shot instead of simply sliding the puck into the net. However, others believe that Rielly’s retaliation was excessive. Additionally, there are claims that Rielly is being unfairly scrutinized due to his affiliation with the Maple Leafs, a team known for facing intense scrutiny.
The NHL’s decision to suspend Rielly was influenced by the circumstances surrounding the incident. It occurred after an empty-net goal, with only a few seconds remaining in the game. The NHL has issued smaller suspensions for cross-checks to opponents’ heads that happen during the course of play. Comparisons have been drawn to previous incidents, such as Blake Lizotte’s suspension for one game and Andrew Mangiapane’s suspension for one game. The NHL Player Safety argued that Rielly’s cross-check was not a result of escalating contact or an inadvertent use of the stick for hockey purposes.
A comparable incident to Rielly’s suspension is David Perron’s cross-check on Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub, which resulted in a six-game suspension. Perron has since appealed this decision. Rielly’s argument, similar to Perron’s, is that his stick made contact with the body before striking the head of his opponent. However, NHL Player Safety determined that Rielly had ample time to avoid raising his stick or aiming the cross-check at Greig’s head. They also dismissed the argument that the stick was deflected into the head area.
The suspension of Morgan Rielly has significant implications for the Toronto Maple Leafs. As the team’s top defenseman in points and minutes played, Rielly’s absence will undoubtedly affect the team’s performance. The Maple Leafs currently hold the Eastern Conference’s top wild card spot, and losing Rielly’s contribution for five games could potentially jeopardize their position.
The suspension of Morgan Rielly has created a controversial and heated debate within the NHL community. The decision to suspend him for five games, the reactions from both sides, and the comparisons to similar incidents have all contributed to the ongoing discourse surrounding this incident. The impact of Rielly’s absence on the Maple Leafs further intensifies the discussion, highlighting the significance of this suspension for both the player and his team.
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