Morgan Rielly suspended for five games for cross-checking Ridly Greig in the head (Mod note in OP); upd: Rielly appealing his suspension (upheld)

[Romang67]

So Rielly got a 6 game suspension?

Do you not understand the difference between possible and certain?

 

[swiftwin]

His appeal will get rejected just like Perron's did.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

I understand what facts are!

 

[Roo]

They should attempt an appeal. There is no downside to it.

There is certainly a downside. It takes considerable time and resources to appeal. It's not just 'hey can you reconsider'. You have to prove your case. In the case of Spezza a couple years ago it took so long that he served the games anyways.

 

[Micklebot]

I understand what facts are!

Let's test that.

Is it a fact that 6 games was a possible outcome, once an in person hearing was offered

 

[HockeyGuy1964]

It would be better for everyone if they just wrote down these "unwritten rules" & "the code" so we, & all the players in every sport, know them.

 

[swiftwin]

"In short, this is not a hockey play, this is an intentional forceful strike to an opponents head using the stick as a weapon to exact retribution on an opponent well after a goal has been scored. To summarize, this is cross checking, Rielly has been neither fined nor suspended previously in his 769 game NHL career. The department of player safety has suspended Morgan Rielly for 5 games"

"What elevates this play to supplemental discipline is the fact that is done after the game is over and for no legitimate hockey purpose. This is not a hockey play. This is a forceful high crosscheck delivered to an opponent after the game has ended. To summarize, this is cross checking, Chiasson has been neither fined nor suspended previously in his 536 game NHL career. The department of player safety has suspended Alex Chiasson for 1 game."

Kinda like these two?

Look I'm all for them being harsher on head contact plays as long as they are consistent. I just find it hilarious how similar the wording is yet one is 5x more than the other (the league finally becoming more harsh on these type of plays is likely the reason)

The Chiasson suspension happened 3 years ago. It's not relevant to the discussion.

The more recent precedent is the Perron suspension, which happened 2 months ago.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

Let's test that.

Is it a fact that 6 games a possible outcome, once an in person hearing was offered

Oh
My
Stars
And
Garters

Let's test that.

Is it a fact that 6 games was a possible outcome, once an in person hearing was offered

In my humble opinion many people on HF are confused about what facts are.

 

[Micklebot]

The Chiasson suspension happened 3 years ago. It's not relevant to the discussion.

The more recent precedent is the Perron suspension, which happened 2 months ago.

Sure it is, and it was brought up by the NHLPA, and rejected as a comparable by the NHL, in Perron's appeal

"I am also not persuaded that the next most recent suspension – Jeff Skinner’s three game suspension in December 2022 – supports a reduction of Mr. Perron’s suspension. Again, Mr. Skinner’s cross-check, though worthy of meaningful supplementary discipline, was not delivered with anything close to the same force that Mr. Perron delivered.5 Further, in Mr. Skinner’s case, he and his victim engaged in tussling and slashing prior to the suspension-worthy conduct, whereas Mr. Perron targeted an unsuspecting Player. The same is true of the other suspensions for cross-checks to the head cited by the NHLPA (i.e., the suspensions issued to Johan Larsson, Mike Hoffman, Alex Chiasson, Evander Kane and Warren Peters), which were even less egregious than Mr. Skinner’s offense. The 2019 suspension of Robert Bortuzzo did not involve head contact at all"

 

[Roo]

Between the video addressing all the on ice arguments, and perrons appeal addressing all the whataboutism arguments, there isn't much I can imagine they can use to challenge the length.

I don't know what they discussed in the hearing, but I have a pretty good idea what types of things they are likely to have tried and it's all dead ends that were unsuccessfuly attempted in the Perron appeal.

If there was some exculpatory data or evidence out there, it would have already been made public,

Looks like we will find out...

 

[Elnino]

It would be better for everyone if they just wrote down these "unwritten rules" & "the code" so we, & all the players in every sport, know them.

Perhaps in this highly evolving communication world, we could attritbute the event as a misinterpretation of the rules. Name 1 player in the history of the league (or any professional league) who made a habit of slapping the puck at empty cages.

Can Greig plead innocence though ignorance? Did he seriously not expect to have someone come visit him? Sure he probably didnt think of all people, Morgan Rielly would try to take his head out of the building.

 

[Nothingbutglass]

Leafs 15-2-1 without Morgan Rielly. Maybe trade bait

 

[Eternal Leaf]

I wish these types of suspensions were less ambiguous.

Cross-check to the head should be X amount of games. Doesn't matter what the situation was. The current system is super confusing with some cross-checks to the head getting less and some getting more.

Any system should strive for consistency and it seems like the NHL has become a drunk man throwing darts at a board.

 

[NyQuil]

Well, days later, here’s a summary of thoughts on the whole affair.

1. Greig’s slap shot, while amusing to Sens fans and others, was undoubtedly provocative.

Whether you agree that it should be, or not, is a separate issue regarding hockey culture in general.

Personally, I tend to side with those players and ex-players who have said that you can do whatever you want provided you are prepared to deal with the consequences.

2. A response, while not automatic, was a reasonable expectation.

I don’t think Grieg was expecting the lumber but rather the typical jawing, shoving, punching that occurs during a lot of late game shenanigans. His hand comes up belatedly and fails to deflect the stick adequately enough to avoid the contact.

But to say that it wasn’t inflammatory is false.

3. There is never any excuse for hitting someone in the head with a stick. And whether it rode up or not is irrelevant, because the outcome was that he took it to the face.

I agree with Button on that score.

Whether Rielly intended it or not, it was a rash action that resulted in a suspendable offence.

When Havlat kicked opposing players (more than once!), there were Sens fans arguing about Hal Gill holding his arms, the size discrepancy, etc.

Doesn’t matter - never any excuse to kick anyone, just like there isn’t for hitting a guy in the face with lumber, particularly when it’s after the play is over and can’t be deemed as accidental as a result of ongoing play.

I do think the punishment is fair as a result, and consistent with what Perron received.

I don’t think 10+ games or any harsher penalties as have been idly discussed are warranted in this case. Rielly is not a dirty player even if this play ended up being so.

4. If Rielly had exercised virtually any other kind of retributive play, not involving a stick, he would not be suspended and this whole affair would have been regarded as a curious footnote at best.

5. I don’t think Rielly is a goon or a villain, I just think he made a mistake in the moment. I know why he did it, but it shouldn’t impact on the punishment.

Provocation is no excuse for risking injury. Whether we like it or not, we regard stick offences as more serious than roughing or fighting offences which is probably why you don’t usually see guys swinging sticks or cross checking each other in the head at the end of games, even when provoked.

6. I can understand why Leaf fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

In light of the accusation that the team lacks emotional involvement in some of their games, to see one of their leaders not take defeat lightly is a welcome change.

7. I can also understand why Sens fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

Winning against a rival is a rare positive experience in yet another likely wasted season.

Games in Ottawa against the Leafs (and Habs) are always spirited affairs with fan loyalties so divided and Greig made the likely impulsive decision to react emotionally, just as Rielly did.

Unlike Rielly, he didn’t do anything that was suspendable under the rules.

And while we are once again in Groundhog Day of the team stringing wins together after being effectively eliminated, all we can do as fans is hope that their recent run of improved play under different management and coaching is a sign that things may turn around eventually.

Vancouver is a team that benefitted significantly from a coaching and culture change, and while many more teams fail to turn it around like that, the alternative is to junk the team for pennies on the dollar and start all over again.

8. I think a lot is made of guys being out of the lineup but predicting doom when players are injured or suspended is always premature. It wouldn’t surprise me if Toronto strings a bunch of wins together due to rallying around the adversity, particularly during the post-All Star game grind leading to the playoffs.

9. One thing most people agree on is that the BoO has been pretty muted for some time, and maybe this will ignite a little more fire into the rivalry, and that this is a good thing for the fans as spectators.

10. Has Greig learned his lesson? Maybe, because I doubt he will do that again. I don’t think it will change how he plays the game though, which is to instigate, play physical and be a general pest.

He’s been taking shots from the opposition all season long, if not in such spectacular fashion.

Just as Leaf fans and players are excited about Rielly showing emotion and stepping up for his team’s honour, Sens fans fans and players have enjoyed the spunk and competitiveness that Greig brings to the team.

In both cases their efforts may have been misguided to an extent, but in the end we have another memorable chapter in the provincial rivalry.

 

[ToDavid]

"In short, this is not a hockey play, this is an intentional forceful strike to an opponents head using the stick as a weapon to exact retribution on an opponent well after a goal has been scored. To summarize, this is cross checking, Rielly has been neither fined nor suspended previously in his 769 game NHL career. The department of player safety has suspended Morgan Rielly for 5 games"

"What elevates this play to supplemental discipline is the fact that is done after the game is over and for no legitimate hockey purpose. This is not a hockey play. This is a forceful high crosscheck delivered to an opponent after the game has ended. To summarize, this is cross checking, Chiasson has been neither fined nor suspended previously in his 536 game NHL career. The department of player safety has suspended Alex Chiasson for 1 game."

Kinda like these two?

Look I'm all for them being harsher on head contact plays as long as they are consistent. I just find it hilarious how similar the wording is yet one is 5x more than the other (the league finally becoming more harsh on these type of plays is likely the reason)

Yah but to be fair that Chiasson play happened long, long ago, in an age that can only now be viewed through the lens of ancient history, a museum exhibit, if you will. You know, three years ago.

 

[Nostradumbass]

I wish these types of suspensions were less ambiguous.

Cross-check to the head should be X amount of games. Doesn't matter what the situation was. The current system is super confusing with some cross-checks to the head getting less and some getting more.

Any system should strive for consistency and it seems like the NHL has become a drunk man throwing darts at a board.

Agreed. It should start at X games and then have modifiers. Additional games for clear intent to injure, additional games for retribution, additional games for away/out of the play, etc.

Yah but to be fair that Chiasson play happened long, long ago, in an age that can only now be viewed through the lens of ancient history, a museum exhibit, if you will. You know, three years ago.

For a team that still pretends that 1967 was only a few years ago, I can see why you would think that 3 years ago would be relevant given the numerous other precedents that have been set since then.

 

[Raging Bull]

Well, days later, here’s a summary of thoughts on the whole affair.

1. Greig’s slap shot, while amusing to Sens fans and others, was undoubtedly provocative.

Whether you agree that it should be, or not, is a separate issue regarding hockey culture in general.

Personally, I tend to side with those players and ex-players who have said that you can do whatever you want provided you are prepared to deal with the consequences.

2. A response, while not automatic, was a reasonable expectation.

I don’t think Grieg was expecting the lumber but rather the typical jawing, shoving, punching that occurs during a lot of late game shenanigans. His hand comes up belatedly and fails to deflect the stick adequately enough to avoid the contact.

But to say that it wasn’t inflammatory is false.

3. There is never any excuse for hitting someone in the head with a stick. And whether it rode up or not is irrelevant, because the outcome was that he took it to the face.

I agree with Button on that score.

Whether Rielly intended it or not, it was a rash action that resulted in a suspendable offence.

When Havlat kicked opposing players (more than once!), there were Sens fans arguing about Hal Gill holding his arms, the size discrepancy, etc.

Doesn’t matter - never any excuse to kick anyone, just like there isn’t for hitting a guy in the face with lumber, particularly when it’s after the play is over and can’t be deemed as accidental as a result of ongoing play.

I do think the punishment is fair as a result, and consistent with what Perron received.

I don’t think 10+ games or any harsher penalties as have been idly discussed are warranted in this case. Rielly is not a dirty player even if this play ended up being so.

4. If Rielly had exercised virtually any other kind of retributive play, not involving a stick, he would not be suspended and this whole affair would have been regarded as a curious footnote at best.

5. I don’t think Rielly is a goon or a villain, I just think he made a mistake in the moment. I know why he did it, but it shouldn’t impact on the punishment.

Provocation is no excuse for risking injury. Whether we like it or not, we regard stick offences as more serious than roughing or fighting offences which is probably why you don’t usually see guys swinging sticks or cross checking each other in the head at the end of games, even when provoked.

6. I can understand why Leaf fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

In light of the accusation that the team lacks emotional involvement in some of their games, to see one of their leaders not take defeat lightly is a welcome change.

7. I can also understand why Sens fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

Winning against a rival is a rare positive experience in yet another likely wasted season.

Games in Ottawa against the Leafs (and Habs) are always spirited affairs with fan loyalties so divided and Greig made the likely impulsive decision to react emotionally, just as Rielly did.

Unlike Rielly, he didn’t do anything that was suspendable under the rules.

And while we are once again in Groundhog Day of the team stringing wins together after being effectively eliminated, all we can do as fans is hope that their recent run of improved play under different management and coaching is a sign that things may turn around eventually.

Vancouver is a team that benefitted significantly from a coaching and culture change, and while many more teams fail to turn it around like that, the alternative is to junk the team for pennies on the dollar and start all over again.

8. I think a lot is made of guys being out of the lineup but predicting doom when players are injured or suspended is always premature. It wouldn’t surprise me if Toronto strings a bunch of wins together due to rallying around the adversity, particularly during the post-All Star game grind leading to the playoffs.

9. One thing most people agree on is that the BoO has been pretty muted for some time, and maybe this will ignite a little more fire into the rivalry, and that this is a good thing for the fans as spectators.

10. Has Greig learned his lesson? Maybe, because I doubt he will do that again. I don’t think it will change how he plays the game though, which is to instigate, play physical and be a general pest.

He’s been taking shots from the opposition all season long, if not in such spectacular fashion.

Just as Leaf fans and players are excited about Rielly showing emotion and stepping up for his team’s honour, Sens fans fans and players have enjoyed the spunk and competitiveness that Greig brings to the team.

In both cases their efforts may have been misguided to an extent, but in the end we have another memorable chapter in the provincial rivalry.

Can we end the thread now? What more needs to be said.

 

[Peasy]

Well, days later, here’s a summary of thoughts on the whole affair.

1. Greig’s slap shot, while amusing to Sens fans and others, was undoubtedly provocative.

Whether you agree that it should be, or not, is a separate issue regarding hockey culture in general.

Personally, I tend to side with those players and ex-players who have said that you can do whatever you want provided you are prepared to deal with the consequences.

2. A response, while not automatic, was a reasonable expectation.

I don’t think Grieg was expecting the lumber but rather the typical jawing, shoving, punching that occurs during a lot of late game shenanigans. His hand comes up belatedly and fails to deflect the stick adequately enough to avoid the contact.

But to say that it wasn’t inflammatory is false.

3. There is never any excuse for hitting someone in the head with a stick. And whether it rode up or not is irrelevant, because the outcome was that he took it to the face.

I agree with Button on that score.

Whether Rielly intended it or not, it was a rash action that resulted in a suspendable offence.

When Havlat kicked opposing players (more than once!), there were Sens fans arguing about Hal Gill holding his arms, the size discrepancy, etc.

Doesn’t matter - never any excuse to kick anyone, just like there isn’t for hitting a guy in the face with lumber, particularly when it’s after the play is over and can’t be deemed as accidental as a result of ongoing play.

I do think the punishment is fair as a result, and consistent with what Perron received.

I don’t think 10+ games or any harsher penalties as have been idly discussed are warranted in this case. Rielly is not a dirty player even if this play ended up being so.

4. If Rielly had exercised virtually any other kind of retributive play, not involving a stick, he would not be suspended and this whole affair would have been regarded as a curious footnote at best.

5. I don’t think Rielly is a goon or a villain, I just think he made a mistake in the moment. I know why he did it, but it shouldn’t impact on the punishment.

Provocation is no excuse for risking injury. Whether we like it or not, we regard stick offences as more serious than roughing or fighting offences which is probably why you don’t usually see guys swinging sticks or cross checking each other in the head at the end of games, even when provoked.

6. I can understand why Leaf fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

In light of the accusation that the team lacks emotional involvement in some of their games, to see one of their leaders not take defeat lightly is a welcome change.

7. I can also understand why Sens fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

Winning against a rival is a rare positive experience in yet another likely wasted season.

Games in Ottawa against the Leafs (and Habs) are always spirited affairs with fan loyalties so divided and Greig made the likely impulsive decision to react emotionally, just as Rielly did.

Unlike Rielly, he didn’t do anything that was suspendable under the rules.

And while we are once again in Groundhog Day of the team stringing wins together after being effectively eliminated, all we can do as fans is hope that their recent run of improved play under different management and coaching is a sign that things may turn around eventually.

Vancouver is a team that benefitted significantly from a coaching and culture change, and while many more teams fail to turn it around like that, the alternative is to junk the team for pennies on the dollar and start all over again.

8. I think a lot is made of guys being out of the lineup but predicting doom when players are injured or suspended is always premature. It wouldn’t surprise me if Toronto strings a bunch of wins together due to rallying around the adversity, particularly during the post-All Star game grind leading to the playoffs.

9. One thing most people agree on is that the BoO has been pretty muted for some time, and maybe this will ignite a little more fire into the rivalry, and that this is a good thing for the fans as spectators.

10. Has Greig learned his lesson? Maybe, because I doubt he will do that again. I don’t think it will change how he plays the game though, which is to instigate, play physical and be a general pest.

He’s been taking shots from the opposition all season long, if not in such spectacular fashion.

Just as Leaf fans and players are excited about Rielly showing emotion and stepping up for his team’s honour, Sens fans fans and players have enjoyed the spunk and competitiveness that Greig brings to the team.

In both cases their efforts may have been misguided to an extent, but in the end we have another memorable chapter in the provincial rivalry.

Should put this in the OP. Nice to see some rational thinking.

 

[Ezekial]

View attachment 819592

Its honestly crazy this was your take for the perron suspension, yet your Rielly takes are completely the opposite lmao

Perron suspended 6 games for crosscheck to the face on Zub - Mod warning Post #590

Guaranteed 3

forums.hfboards.com

I was basing it off of how the clown show of the dpos has been forever.

I have a comparable from this season on the Rielly one.

 

[Micklebot]

Yah but to be fair that Chiasson play happened long, long ago, in an age that can only now be viewed through the lens of ancient history, a museum exhibit, if you will. You know, three years ago.

The league already weighed in on Chiasson's cross check in the Perron appeal, noting it was even less egregious than Skinner's (who's cross check was deemed to not be delivered with anything close to Perron's).

Skinner got 3, maybe they can argue Rielly was closer to Skinner than Perron, but Chiasson is likely not going to fly.

 

[v00d00daddy]

I wish these types of suspensions were less ambiguous.

Cross-check to the head should be X amount of games. Doesn't matter what the situation was. The current system is super confusing with some cross-checks to the head getting less and some getting more.

Any system should strive for consistency and it seems like the NHL has become a drunk man throwing darts at a board.

It’s like charging and sentencing in criminal law.

There are too many variables in each incident to come up with some kind of reasonable single outcome.

Wyshynski Was chatting today with marek and imo was a total hypocrite. He rightfully judged people that see the Rielly cross check as a non issue that deserved nothing more than a fine.

He goes on to ramble about how he compares it to the Perron one and how lucky Rielly was for only getting 5 because of all the similarities.

Of course he leaves out the differences. He craps on biased leafs media while still choosing to ignore things like:

-Rielly has no history of ever being dirty
-Rielly didn’t hit Grieg straight into the head. Even though the DoPS video acknowledges that he put up his hand in defence
-Perron gave Zub no chance to resct
-oh yeah…zub had sfa to do with the situation lol
-and Zub was hurt from the cross check

But I guess they’re exactly the same and Rielly was lucky to only get 5.

And Shitski is saying all of this as if he’s some unbiased neutral “reporter”

All you gotta do is look at his Twitter history and you’ll see his take on the leafs and their fans.

Let’s see how the appeal goes. I’d like to see it dropped a game just to hear his shock filled reaction lol

 

[dangomon]

Well, days later, here’s a summary of thoughts on the whole affair.

1. Greig’s slap shot, while amusing to Sens fans and others, was undoubtedly provocative.

Whether you agree that it should be, or not, is a separate issue regarding hockey culture in general.

Personally, I tend to side with those players and ex-players who have said that you can do whatever you want provided you are prepared to deal with the consequences.

2. A response, while not automatic, was a reasonable expectation.

I don’t think Grieg was expecting the lumber but rather the typical jawing, shoving, punching that occurs during a lot of late game shenanigans. His hand comes up belatedly and fails to deflect the stick adequately enough to avoid the contact.

But to say that it wasn’t inflammatory is false.

3. There is never any excuse for hitting someone in the head with a stick. And whether it rode up or not is irrelevant, because the outcome was that he took it to the face.

I agree with Button on that score.

Whether Rielly intended it or not, it was a rash action that resulted in a suspendable offence.

When Havlat kicked opposing players (more than once!), there were Sens fans arguing about Hal Gill holding his arms, the size discrepancy, etc.

Doesn’t matter - never any excuse to kick anyone, just like there isn’t for hitting a guy in the face with lumber, particularly when it’s after the play is over and can’t be deemed as accidental as a result of ongoing play.

I do think the punishment is fair as a result, and consistent with what Perron received.

I don’t think 10+ games or any harsher penalties as have been idly discussed are warranted in this case. Rielly is not a dirty player even if this play ended up being so.

4. If Rielly had exercised virtually any other kind of retributive play, not involving a stick, he would not be suspended and this whole affair would have been regarded as a curious footnote at best.

5. I don’t think Rielly is a goon or a villain, I just think he made a mistake in the moment. I know why he did it, but it shouldn’t impact on the punishment.

Provocation is no excuse for risking injury. Whether we like it or not, we regard stick offences as more serious than roughing or fighting offences which is probably why you don’t usually see guys swinging sticks or cross checking each other in the head at the end of games, even when provoked.

6. I can understand why Leaf fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

In light of the accusation that the team lacks emotional involvement in some of their games, to see one of their leaders not take defeat lightly is a welcome change.

7. I can also understand why Sens fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

Winning against a rival is a rare positive experience in yet another likely wasted season.

Games in Ottawa against the Leafs (and Habs) are always spirited affairs with fan loyalties so divided and Greig made the likely impulsive decision to react emotionally, just as Rielly did.

Unlike Rielly, he didn’t do anything that was suspendable under the rules.

And while we are once again in Groundhog Day of the team stringing wins together after being effectively eliminated, all we can do as fans is hope that their recent run of improved play under different management and coaching is a sign that things may turn around eventually.

Vancouver is a team that benefitted significantly from a coaching and culture change, and while many more teams fail to turn it around like that, the alternative is to junk the team for pennies on the dollar and start all over again.

8. I think a lot is made of guys being out of the lineup but predicting doom when players are injured or suspended is always premature. It wouldn’t surprise me if Toronto strings a bunch of wins together due to rallying around the adversity, particularly during the post-All Star game grind leading to the playoffs.

9. One thing most people agree on is that the BoO has been pretty muted for some time, and maybe this will ignite a little more fire into the rivalry, and that this is a good thing for the fans as spectators.

10. Has Greig learned his lesson? Maybe, because I doubt he will do that again. I don’t think it will change how he plays the game though, which is to instigate, play physical and be a general pest.

He’s been taking shots from the opposition all season long, if not in such spectacular fashion.

Just as Leaf fans and players are excited about Rielly showing emotion and stepping up for his team’s honour, Sens fans fans and players have enjoyed the spunk and competitiveness that Greig brings to the team.

In both cases their efforts may have been misguided to an extent, but in the end we have another memorable chapter in the provincial rivalry.

I either agree or disagree, but one thing I know for sure is I ain't reading that whole thing.

 

[Ezekial]

View attachment 819592

Its honestly crazy this was your take for the perron suspension, yet your Rielly takes are completely the opposite lmao

Perron suspended 6 games for crosscheck to the face on Zub - Mod warning Post #590

Hardly a punch. Roughing is correct. End result is due to second player and extremely unfortunate. Perron was the moron deserving lengthy suspension. I mean not saying it was a punch because semantics are dumb You realize the penalty they call for a gloved punch to the face is "Roughing" right?

forums.hfboards.com

Check this post from that thread


Editing on mobile f***ed up my whole post

But
The dpos is a joke i was basing it off that

Rielly has a comparable this season

 

[swiftwin]

Well, days later, here’s a summary of thoughts on the whole affair.

1. Greig’s slap shot, while amusing to Sens fans and others, was undoubtedly provocative.

Whether you agree that it should be, or not, is a separate issue regarding hockey culture in general.

Personally, I tend to side with those players and ex-players who have said that you can do whatever you want provided you are prepared to deal with the consequences.

2. A response, while not automatic, was a reasonable expectation.

I don’t think Grieg was expecting the lumber but rather the typical jawing, shoving, punching that occurs during a lot of late game shenanigans. His hand comes up belatedly and fails to deflect the stick adequately enough to avoid the contact.

But to say that it wasn’t inflammatory is false.

3. There is never any excuse for hitting someone in the head with a stick. And whether it rode up or not is irrelevant, because the outcome was that he took it to the face.

I agree with Button on that score.

Whether Rielly intended it or not, it was a rash action that resulted in a suspendable offence.

When Havlat kicked opposing players (more than once!), there were Sens fans arguing about Hal Gill holding his arms, the size discrepancy, etc.

Doesn’t matter - never any excuse to kick anyone, just like there isn’t for hitting a guy in the face with lumber, particularly when it’s after the play is over and can’t be deemed as accidental as a result of ongoing play.

I do think the punishment is fair as a result, and consistent with what Perron received.

I don’t think 10+ games or any harsher penalties as have been idly discussed are warranted in this case. Rielly is not a dirty player even if this play ended up being so.

4. If Rielly had exercised virtually any other kind of retributive play, not involving a stick, he would not be suspended and this whole affair would have been regarded as a curious footnote at best.

5. I don’t think Rielly is a goon or a villain, I just think he made a mistake in the moment. I know why he did it, but it shouldn’t impact on the punishment.

Provocation is no excuse for risking injury. Whether we like it or not, we regard stick offences as more serious than roughing or fighting offences which is probably why you don’t usually see guys swinging sticks or cross checking each other in the head at the end of games, even when provoked.

6. I can understand why Leaf fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

In light of the accusation that the team lacks emotional involvement in some of their games, to see one of their leaders not take defeat lightly is a welcome change.

7. I can also understand why Sens fans feel like they gained something positive from the affair.

Winning against a rival is a rare positive experience in yet another likely wasted season.

Games in Ottawa against the Leafs (and Habs) are always spirited affairs with fan loyalties so divided and Greig made the likely impulsive decision to react emotionally, just as Rielly did.

Unlike Rielly, he didn’t do anything that was suspendable under the rules.

And while we are once again in Groundhog Day of the team stringing wins together after being effectively eliminated, all we can do as fans is hope that their recent run of improved play under different management and coaching is a sign that things may turn around eventually.

Vancouver is a team that benefitted significantly from a coaching and culture change, and while many more teams fail to turn it around like that, the alternative is to junk the team for pennies on the dollar and start all over again.

8. I think a lot is made of guys being out of the lineup but predicting doom when players are injured or suspended is always premature. It wouldn’t surprise me if Toronto strings a bunch of wins together due to rallying around the adversity, particularly during the post-All Star game grind leading to the playoffs.

9. One thing most people agree on is that the BoO has been pretty muted for some time, and maybe this will ignite a little more fire into the rivalry, and that this is a good thing for the fans as spectators.

10. Has Greig learned his lesson? Maybe, because I doubt he will do that again. I don’t think it will change how he plays the game though, which is to instigate, play physical and be a general pest.

He’s been taking shots from the opposition all season long, if not in such spectacular fashion.

Just as Leaf fans and players are excited about Rielly showing emotion and stepping up for his team’s honour, Sens fans fans and players have enjoyed the spunk and competitiveness that Greig brings to the team.

In both cases their efforts may have been misguided to an extent, but in the end we have another memorable chapter in the provincial rivalry.

I thought all of this was always really obvious, but we were just continuing this discussion because it's fun to dunk on the Leafs.

 

[NyQuil]

Should put this in the OP. Nice to see some rational thinking.

Well, I’ve hardly been rational this entire time, but sometimes that’s what being a fan is all about.

Just don’t read my post history.