Hockey fans took to social media to express their disbelief after the NHL Player Safety Department announced that there would be no further action against Ottawa Senators player Ridly Greig for cross-checking Toronto Maple Leafs’ John Tavares. The incident occurred during Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the two teams.
Greig was initially assessed a five-minute penalty, which was reduced to a two-minute minor after a video review during the game.
Fans Stunned After Sources Claim No Suspension Or Fine for Ridly Greig
TSN analyst and writer for The Athletic Chris Johnston reported on Monday, April 21, that “Greig will not face further discipline,” according to an unnamed source.
Per @reporterchris, Sens’ Ridly Greig will not face further discipline after receiving a cross-checking minor penalty in Game 1.
(🎥: ESPN) pic.twitter.com/GXqg0K1jqo
— TSN (@TSN_Sports)
Johnston’s report was met with a storm of protest against the NHL on social media, with fans making their thoughts clear about their opinion of the decision.
Disgraceful officiating. Sens got away with one
— God's Team, THE LEAFS (@GODSLEAFS)
So Ridley Grieg doesn't get a suspension let alone a fine? That's 100% bull! That crosscheck by Ridley Grieg was dirty! That was a 5 minute major and a suspension and he gets away with it? The Sens are a dirty team bro!
— Y – Keeshan Dave 🇨🇦 (@Keeshan26284093)
Other fans also criticized the lack of further disciplinary action and the apparent double standards of the officials.
“Auston Matthews got three games for the same exact play with no history. Ridley Greig has a history of cross-checks to the head leading to suspension and got a 2-minute penalty, and that’s it,” one fan said.
“[Morgan] Rielly got five games, just a reminder for everyone,” another added.
Many Maple Leafs fans pointed to the incident as another sign of bias against their team. However, a vocal minority claimed the decision was right, considering the cross-check circumstances.
“Makes sense, it was a high hit but was not intentional, and they tried to sell it like he had his head lopped off. Two mins. was deserved and served. Time to move on and do better,” one user posted.
The Maple Leafs emerged victorious in the latest ‘Battle of Ontario’ on Sunday, April 20, defeating the Senators 6-2. Leafs forward Mitch Marner had a goal and two assists on the night.
“Just to start off with a win is great, but we have to look forward to the next one. It’s going to be even harder to win the next one, and we are going to look to figure out how we can even be a little better Tuesday,” Marner said via NHL.com. “It does help chipping in, it feels good, but the win is the most important thing, and that’s what you aim for.”
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, William Nylander, Rielly, and Tavares scored a. At the same time, Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz had a stellar first playoff start, making 31 saves, including one against Senators’ captain Brady Tkachuk on a breakaway.
Drake Batherson and Greig scored for the Senators, who will face the Leafs in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 22.
