This past weekend the NHL was saddled with two incidents that have caused some consternation.
The first was the end of the Senators-Toronto Maple Leafs game, in Ottawa .
As outlined by NHL.com, the incident occurred at 19:54 of the third period after Ridly Greig’s empty-net goal in Toronto’s 5-3 loss at Ottawa on Saturday. Morgan Rielly received a major penalty for cross-checking and a game misconduct.
Greig took a slap shot from about 10 feet away from the empty cage for the sealing marker in the Sens win.
Rielly took exception, but that was exceeded with the cross check to the head of Greig, and a melee ensued between the Leafs and Senators.
Reilly is to have a hearing on Tuesday, in-person, with the NHL Player Safety group.
The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman is facing discipline for cross-checking against Ottawa Senators forward Greig.
The NHL.com report on the hearing included that “if the infraction might require a suspension of six games or more, the offending player is offered the opportunity to an in-person hearing. In this case, the player remains suspended until the hearing takes place. If the player waives his right to an in-person hearing, the hearing will be conducted by phone.”
Reilly’s response to the slap shot from Greig has been defended as an outcome from ignoring the sportsmanship of the game.
That argument does not fly, never should.
Greig was rubbing the win in the face of the Maple Leafs, their cross province rivals.
Play a better game, and maybe Greig does not have an opportunity to send the message.
It does not absolve Greig of taunting the Maple Leafs with his slap shot, but Reilly went over the line.
The second event over the weekend was the Los Angeles Kings’ shut out of the Edmonton Oilers.
The win for LA was important in snapping an ugly spiral down the Western Conference playoff ladder.
The win was also a milestone for interim head coach Jim Hiller behind the Kings bench.
The 4-0 shutout was his first win behind as bench boss.
The Kings’ Drew Doughty looked to collect the game puck at the end, but the Oilers tried to keep the puck from being given to Hiller.
A referee interceded on behalf of the Kings and handed the puck off to Doughty.
It was something small and inconsequential as an act. However, it was enormous as a statement of the smallness of the Oilers as a group.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1756560573527957648
Again, a better effort on the part of the Oilers bench might well have resulted in a more attractive count on the scoreboard.
The state of hockey has descended to a place that disrespects the past, and the history of the sport. What it leaves us with is lip-service to tradition and sportsmanship.
In effect, sore losers rule the day by exerting some petty influence over the proceedings. In each case, had the losing side played a better game, they would not have been in such a bad position.
The reactions of the Maple Leafs losing to an inferior Senators squad (at least by ladder position), and the Oilers feeling privileged by their recent 16-game win streak, only to suffer a shutout at the hands of a near rival, stain the game.
No advice or suggestion are offered. These are well-paid adults. Grow up, play the game and move on after you lose.
You must be logged in to post a comment.