Leafs’ Rielly cross-checks Senators’ Greig after empty-netter

OTTAWA, Ontario — Toronto Maple Leafs All-Star defenseman Morgan Rielly cross-checked Ottawa Senators middle Ridly Greig to the top with 5.1 seconds remaining in a hotly contested recreation Saturday evening between Atlantic Division rivals.

Greig had simply sped into the Maple Leafs’ zone and fired a slap shot into an empty internet, sealing Ottawa’s 5-3 victory, and Reilly took exception to the emphatic nature of the purpose, setting off a scrum close to the groups’ benches.

“We clearly did not just like the end result on the empty netter,” Toronto captain John Tavares mentioned. “So, we’ll stick collectively and stand our floor when needed.”

Usually, with empty-net objectives — an indication the sport’s end result has been determined — the scoring group merely pushes the puck into the web, or maybe tries a wrist shot, in order to not present up the dropping opponent. Very hardly ever do they wind up with a slap shot, particularly so near the crease.

“I assumed it was applicable,” Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe mentioned after the loss, when requested his ideas on Rielly’s choice. “I am positive [the league] will have a look at it, yeah.”

Keefe despatched out enforcer Ryan Reaves for the ultimate faceoff, however the officers shortly jumped in to forestall a brawl.

“He was reacting to a play,” Keefe mentioned of Rielly. “Their participant has the proper to do what he needs in that second. And our gamers have the proper to react. And it is the feelings of the sport.”

Ottawa coach Jacques Martin noticed the state of affairs in a different way.

“He put the puck within the internet,” he mentioned of Greig. “Whether or not he shoots it or pushes it, [Rielly’s reaction], that should not occur.”

Certainly, it was an emotional evening in Canada’s capital, as Shane Pinto had a purpose and two assists for the house group. Claude Giroux, Vladimir Tarasenko and Josh Norris additionally scored for Ottawa in its return from a 10-day break. Joonas Korpisalo made 31 saves for the Senators earlier than Greig closed the scoring.

“You by no means actually know what Greiger’s going to do,” Norris mentioned. “I imply, I adore it, however I am positive, clearly, if we’re on the opposite facet of that I do not know if we want it both. I did not actually just like the retaliation, however I perceive their frustration, however it’s over with and I assume it was entertaining.”

Auston Matthews scored his NHL-leading forty second purpose for Toronto. Matthew Knies and Max Domi additionally scored, and Martin Jones stopped 27 pictures.

The Senators have received three in a row.

“It was actually good,” Martin mentioned of his membership’s first recreation again. “I actually appreciated the best way our gamers responded and to me that was very satisfying.”

The Related Press contributed to this report.