Morgan Rielly didn’t like the slapshot, but it looks like he’ll get extra punishment for the first time in his 11-year NHL career.
The Maple Leafs defenseman ended his fifth minute on Saturday night with a cross-check to the head of Ottawa’s Ridley Greig along the sideboards after the center slapped a slapper into Toronto’s empty net from close range in the final minute. He received a major and a match violation penalty. 5-3 home win for the Senators.
“I’m sure [the league will] Look,” Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said in defense of Riley.
“I think (Riley’s actions) were appropriate. He’s reacting to the play. Opposing players have a right to react in the moment, and our players have a right to react. That’s why this… It’s the emotion of the game.”
Maple Leafs captain and former Islander John Tavares added that the team “didn’t like the result with the empty nets. We’re going to stand together and stand our ground if necessary.”
Naturally, the Senators’ feelings were different, with interim coach Jacques Martin saying, “The league will look into it. It’s not a hockey play. It’s just frustration or something. It’s a game-changer. Not some…[Greig] Put the puck in the net. Whether he shoots or pushes, things like (Riley) shouldn’t happen. ”
Toronto sent bailiff Ryan Reeves for the final confrontation, but authorities quickly intervened to prevent a scuffle.
“I have no idea what Griger is going to do,” said Senators center Josh Norris, who also scored a goal in the game.
“I mean, I love it, but of course, if we were on the other side of it, I don’t know if we would love it either. I didn’t really like Retribution, but their I understand the frustration, but it’s over and I think it was fun.”
Shane Pinto gave Ottawa a 3-2 lead with a tip midway through the second game and also had two assists. Norris scored with 4:47 left in the period, then Max Domi scored to cut the lead to 4-3.
— With AP
