The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing the possibility of playing several games without their top defenseman, Morgan Rielly. The 29-year-old is scheduled for an in-person hearing with the NHL’s department of player safety in New York, which could result in a lengthy suspension. Rielly’s actions during a game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night is the cause of concern. He cross-checked Ridly Greig up high in retaliation for Greig firing a slap shot into an empty net with only 5.1 seconds left in the game. The repercussions of Rielly’s actions are not to be taken lightly, as it could have significant implications for the team moving forward.
Teammates Defend Rielly’s Actions
Teammate Auston Matthews came to Rielly’s defense, stating that the cross-check was a deserved reaction to the play. Matthews emphasized that Rielly is not a malicious player and that his response was bound to happen given the circumstances. He also criticized the necessity of firing a slap shot into the net during a game’s final seconds, questioning the need for such a move. Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves also agreed with Rielly’s actions, calling his reaction “appropriate.” Reaves argued that a message needed to be sent to Greig after he scored the empty-netter, emphasizing that the game has changed and that such incidents should not go unpunished.
The potential length of Rielly’s suspension is an area of debate. Reaves, along with other Leafs players, expressed surprise at the possibility of a lengthy suspension for Rielly’s actions. The fact that Greig was unharmed after the incident was mentioned as a mitigating factor that should be taken into account. However, the NHL’s department of player safety could still hand down a significant suspension, and the Leafs are bracing themselves for the impact it will have on their upcoming games.
Losing Rielly for an extended period would be a major blow to the Maple Leafs, who are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Rielly’s absence would mean that the team will have to find ways to fill the void left by their top defenseman. His contributions are not limited to defensive play; he also plays a crucial role in various offensive situations. Defenseman Mark Giordano acknowledged Rielly’s underrated performance this season, highlighting his impact on both ends of the ice. The entire team will need to step up and pick up the slack in Rielly’s absence to maintain their playoff position.
Opinions within the League
Opinions within the league are divided on Rielly’s actions. Senators coach Jacques Martin dismissed the cross-check as not being part of the game and criticized Rielly for his behavior. On the other hand, Senators player Josh Norris understood Rielly’s frustration, even if he didn’t necessarily agree with his actions. Rielly’s cross-check sparked intense emotions in an already heated game, leading veteran forward Claude Giroux to remark that such incidents can happen due to heightened emotions on the ice.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing to face a series of games without their top defenseman, Morgan Rielly, as a result of his cross-check on Ridly Greig. Teammates and opponents have expressed a range of opinions on the incident, highlighting the divisive nature of such actions in the NHL. The Leafs will now have to adapt and find ways to compensate for Rielly’s absence, as they strive to secure a playoff spot in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. Rielly’s potential suspension serves as a reminder of the consequences that players face when their actions cross the line on the ice.
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