As the Ottawa Senators clinched a 5-3 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs, defenseman Morgan Rielly found himself facing more than just a defeat.
Following Ridly Greig’s controversial empty-net slapshot that sealed the Senators’ win, the 21-year-old player stirred up a storm of criticism. Rielly, 29, also came under fire for his response to the incident, prompting scrutiny from both fans and fellow players.
Maple Leafs winger Ryan Reaves didn’t mince words when addressing the situation, expressing his disapproval of Greig’s actions and suggesting Rielly’s response was warranted. Reaves highlighted the age difference between the two players, implying that Greig lacked maturity in his behaviour on the ice.
"If you rewind to when I came into the league he's probably still laying on the ice.”
Ryan Reaves on the Morgan Rielly/Ridly Greig incident (via @reporterchris) pic.twitter.com/gk0Zxw04ca
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 12, 2024
Now, Rielly finds himself in the hot seat as a hearing looms to address the aftermath of Greig’s goal. With speculation swirling, NHL Player Safety hinted at the likelihood of a suspension for Rielly, indicating that the severity of the incident could lead to further consequences.
If suspended, Rielly could potentially miss games until at least February 23rd, with hopes of returning to action when the Maple Leafs face off against the Colorado Avalanche on the 25th.
The outcome of the hearing remains uncertain, leaving Rielly’s fate in the hands of the committee. Whether he receives leniency or faces a stern precedent-setting punishment remains to be seen, but the support of his teammates may play a crucial role in the final decision.
