Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly took exception to the way an opponent scored an empty-net goal on Saturday night, and he decided to respond by delivering a cheap shot.
Ottawa Senators center Ridly Greig intercepted a pass for a breakaway with seconds left and scored an empty-net goal to seal a 5-3 win for his team over Toronto. Rather than passing or wristing the puck into the net, Greig decided to fire a slapshot to put the exclamation point on the victory.
Rielly felt that the act was disrespectful, so he skated after Greig and buried him with a cheap shot. Greig appeared to hit his head off the boards and a brawl ensued.
Ridly Greig buries the empty-netter with a slapshot and Morgan Rielly takes exception 😳 pic.twitter.com/6NISK4AMSt
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 11, 2024
Rielly obviously believed Greig was showboating and should pay the price. The NHL Department of Player Safety disagrees, as Greig has already been offered an in-person meeting and will likely be suspended.
