Toronto Maple Leafs veteran Ryan Reaves defended teammate Morgan Rielly after his team’s practice Monday, saying he believes Rielly’s response was appropriate.
On Saturday, the defenseman delivered a double-check to the face of Ridly Greig of the Ottawa Senators, after the latter had scored in an empty net with a slapshot a few feet from the net.
Rielly will meet with members of the disciplinary committee on Tuesday, as part of an in-person hearing.
“If we go back to when I started in the NHL, he would probably still be lying on the ice. I think it was appropriate. I don’t see how a young player like him (Greig) can think it’s okay to do something like that,” Reaves said Monday.
“Kids these days play different hockey than what I’m used to. The code has changed. The game has changed a lot and it’s unfortunate to see a young guy like that get away with such situations while one of our best players will be suspended. Bring back violent hockey. “
Reaves also said he expected a fine or a suspension of up to one game, adding that Greig got up safely after the hit, and that fact should be considered in the NHL’s decision.
Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe, who also defended Rielly’s gesture after the game, added another layer by mentioning that his team’s actions were always more scrutinized than those of other teams.
“There’s a history that what happens in Toronto or involves the Leafs always gets more attention and it always leads to something like that. I am not surprised by this outcome. “
With an in-person hearing, Rielly faces a suspension of more than five games, but this conclusion is not definitive either while he could receive a shorter suspension.
The defenseman has 43 points in 50 games this season and is Keefe’s most used player averaging 24:21 of playing time.
For his part, Reaves has scored two goals and received 20 penalty minutes in 25 games this season.
