Instant Analysis - Morgan Rielly Suspended FIVE Games!

Steve Dangle reacts to Morgan Rielly being officially suspended 5-games by the NHL's department of player safety
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[@casualbowloframen77]

Channeling my inner Wes McCauley rn. “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” 100% deserved suspension. Now league wide consistencies in suspensions is another animal lol

[@Disturbed1TV]

They have a guy that scored 36 points in 474 games played, running the show. That might have something to do with it. It's time for a DOPS change. I wouldn't be suprised if they have a traffic cone checking for concussions.

[@skafreak69]

Colton Orr concussed him and he never let it down​@@Disturbed1TV

[@Captain.Dingus]

He’s not arguing for no suspension

[@35jigganator]

It wasn't Wes McCauley that said that lol It was Mike Leggo

[@casualbowloframen77]

@@35jigganator get that “well actually” out of here. Let me have my fun please.

[@BrettWolfe-o3t]

Hey Steve, remember when Brad signed Domi, Reaves and Bertuzzi and we joked about it, calling it "Operation Cant-Suspend-Them-All" and then lo and behold the only suspension we get all year is from arguably our nicest and most likeable player. You can't make this stuff up

[@varsity_13]

Steve: "If he got 7 it would've been the longest suspension this season!" Sens Fans: "Uuuhh.. No!"

[@mattlovespeebee]

It would’ve been the longest suspension for an on ice activity!

[@Leafsdude_]

@@mattlovespeebee Could also say the longest suspension from the DoPS. Cause the Pinto suspension was from the commish's office.

[@c95w13]

Sorry he meant longest suspension not handed out to an idiot who doesn’t know how gambling works :)

[@jonw7166]

@@c95w13 It was shown it wasnt even Pinto placing the bets :)

[@kimmotoivari]

​@@jonw7166, it was done from his account. So the point is valid.

[@DuffyTheGander]

As a wings fan, i like your take. It s totally reasonable to expect a response but that was not it. I liked the mean to/didnt mean to comparisons as well. And the comparison to Perron's suspension also well done. Much love from a Wings fan Steve!

[@geographyinaction7814]

Number of games is a moot point, no consistency is a serious point. 'You sir, get life for murder, you? Ten days!'.

[@MapleLeaf0269]

You hit the nail on the head! Wait until the playoffs when everything goes out the door.

[@cronoros]

You forgot to say "the max allowable under the cba"

[@johntuttle9012]

Should have been longer suspension

[@Phil.The.Lumberjack]

Perron got 6 wtf

[@hockey_highlights_and_more]

@@johntuttle9012Grieg wasn’t even injured, and taunting is penalized in every sport but hockey

[@mikeappleyard1898]

Hiring George Paros as the head of player safety, is like hiring Jeffry Dahmer as a judge for murder cases. If he thinks you're guilty and deserve punishment, then you've done something REALLY bad.

[@HalyconSolace]

At least you're getting a subject matter expert in both cases 😂

[@Tokyo_Sexwale]

not really the same thing at all you dont want tim stutzle running DOPS or the game would be completely different, im sure Parros has nothing against any players

[@jeremythompson1526]

To be fair, it's impossible to expect the NHL to "maintain that standard" because that would imply the NHL had standards to being with. It's an unserious league that seems to reward incompetence. See Bettman, the excuse of a franchise in Phoenix and the joke of officiating and DOPS. If it wasn't for the sheer talent of the players...

[@Nightshiftzombie]

It's a suspension for being dumb. Used the stick to attack after the play is dead. If he drops the stick and punches instead, I doubt it even a major.

[@jonathanstewart5269]

Thanks, Captain Obvious

[@brandonflooren5373]

@@jonathanstewart5269he couldve got 10 whiner

[@jonathanstewart5269]

@@brandonflooren5373who’s whining? In what universe is that ever going to be 10 games? Get a grip.

[@brianlavalley3983]

​@jonathanstewart5269 In the universe where Dale Hunter got 21 games for the EXACT SAME THING. Turgeon got a concussion and arm injury that kept him out of the rest of the playoffs, but this still could have easily be 10

[@jonathanstewart5269]

@@brianlavalley3983 if you want to have a conversation about increasing all penalties for headshots, that’s fine. But to compare this to the Dale Hunter incident is ludicrous.

[@PrinceGrazzt]

Dylan Larkin has been hit in the head TWICE this year and injured. I believe that between the two hits a grand total of ONE GAME was given to one of the players if memory servers. My memory is crap though, but I know that it was this year. NHLDPS is a JOKE when it comes to actually keeping players safe.

[@AcX12]

The one from Joseph on Larkin was completely accidental stop acting like it wasn’t a freak accident.

[@ryankather5673]

​@@AcX12lol that's one take for sure

[@Chaosmite]

@@AcX12didn’t Jospeh hit Larkin in the head last year as well? So that’s twice in two years

[@realrealityeast6278]

Did you even see the last one? Was literally a hockey play.

[@RelentlessGamingX]

Yeah the bad thing with Riellys call is its after the whistle, so you cant dispute that. Not a hockey play as they call it. Comparible suspensions are though, but all I watch are the Leafs, and thought Rielly should get 3 or 4 games. But dont know why so many ppl taking it so deep.

[@jimlangdon1947]

It was a stick attack from behind after the whistle. How could the NHL not give Morgan five games & be fair to the NHL teams?😀

[@kevinguise5024]

McSorley didn't mean to hurt Brasher when he hit him in the head with a stick in retaliation. Burtuzzi didn't mean to break Steve Moore's neck when he hit him in the head and drove him to the ice in retaliation. Show me one player that said, yeah I meant to injure that player in retaliation. You won't find any. Therefore it is irrelevant whether Rielly meant to hit Grieg in the head or not. The end result is that he did hit him in the head and it was retaliation because he feelings were hurt. He got the suspension he deserved. It doesn't matter what suspensions other players did or did not get in other altercations. He got the suspension he deserved for his actions. I'm glad the league it taking retaliation seriously and establishing it won't be tolerated.

[@leaf16nut]

Every fanbase says the Leafs are the softest team in the league in terms of retribution, sticking up for each other, not allowing teams to push them around etc... Something like this happens and now they're called soft babies because 'It'S OnLy a SlAp ShOt iNtO aN EmPtY nEt" How are the Leafs both the softest team in the league AND the most suspended...

[@thebsq1]

15-2-1 record without Rielly in the lineup. I am smelling a 5 game win streak.

[@imnotoopinionated]

Lol

[@Papi4Life23]

4 so far

[@DefinityGamingCA]

Unreal vision

[@erichill1002]

The NHL wheel of justice finally got a punishment right. How many years before it gets a suspension right again?

[@cleementine]

Maybe after they fix the flat?

[@markiv2942]

When they actually get someone with some brain to that position.

[@michaelelliott6016]

Until the Leaf's do something they don't like again.

[@aviscooo]

they'll get it wrong again next week when its someone on Carolina making the crosscheck

[@TheElabon]

Depends on whether another Leaf does something suspendable this year or not.

[@RumAndWhiskey]

5 games is only fair if it’s consistent. I don’t know how the league can still be in this state after more than a century.

[@Matts000]

100%

[@chrisg1556]

Thats the real issue here. There's absolutely no consistency. Its like Parros just throws a dart to determine the punishment.

[@red3here]

It’s 4 now.

[@Smolder09]

​@@red3here what

[@captcal]

@@red3here😂 it’s still 5 dude

[@Waders27]

I was at the game when Greig cross-checked Pierre-Luc Dubois in the face and he only got 2 games. Sick league.

[@dukerblanchfield2489]

I’ve been waiting for someone to point that out. Gregg was 18 and 155 lbs. kid was shitting his pants. He drew blood. His first official NHL game was a suspension

[@nollidgestm1238]

It was during play and PLD was skating into his chest to cause a bad reaction. Two is too much there. Five was too much here too, but after the whistle five seconds left in the game and watching the target with a plan should not have missed the shoulder.

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

As a fellow Jets/Leafs fan, I like the profile picture 👍

[@Waders27]

@@benderbendingrodriguez420 Thank you.

[@jcassiowillingham573]

putting the lord-god-king-goon Perros in charge of player safety is like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank....

[@markiv2942]

Exactly.

[@TheElabon]

"As long as that's the standard going forward" as Leaf's fans we've said this way waaaay too many times. For how they're playing and for suspensions and for penalty calls.

[@daviddietz2193]

Rielly throwing hands with Greig would've been within the structure of what is acceptable in the league. They allow fighting. Yes, it would have been an instigator penalty under the time limit and that's a 1 game suspension. But that can be appealed and we've seen them waive that suspension when it fits whatever the league is trying to do at that moment. The response would've been within what is acceptable behavior and is the traditional method of dealing with a shit disturber. As for the league, DOPS is amazingly inconsistent, almost as inconsistent as the officiating. There is no standard and there should be.

[@Barkebain]

The only real precedent here is Dale Hunter. He hit a player during a celly after scoring a goal, and got suspended for 21 games. Rielly got a 16 game discount because the guy he hit was being a jerk. Player Safety has been less than consistent, but I think they did a decent job on this incident. Rielly should have known better, and just sucker punched the jerk - max 1 game suspension.

[@Matts000]

This whole thing is a joke!! Last season Josh Morrissey got crosscheck in the face deliberately by Lizotte. Morrissey had to have 18 stitches in his face and left the game, but Lizotte gets 1 game??? the only thing consistent about the department of player safety, is that they are consistently inconsistent😂

[@Lukewipf442]

Exactly player safety doesn't give a f*** about the winnipeg jets kyle connor got injured against the ducks, they didn't even consider suspension. And then a guy skates into brendan Dillon and he gets 3. It's ridiculous

[@jaredhoff8601]

Completely different play lmao.

[@bajjanitor]

Isn't it good that Rielly got 5 games at least? Now you can point to this the next time something like what you described happens and maybe it will get them suspended for a bit longer than 1 game?

[@northerngurl6178]

​@@bajjanitorsure, yea, because the standard changed after Spezza got 8 games, oh wait 🤔

[@bajjanitor]

@@northerngurl6178 Have you been championing a raising of the standard since then? Did you want this suspension to be more than 5 games?

[@ThatsFrosty]

"Shoulder pads are ROUND, learn things" 😂

[@makenziebrothers408]

Your analysis in this is brilliant. No one is arguing that he doesn’t deserve a suspension (at least but seriously). And the complaining does come from a lack of faith in the DoPS.

[@fuLLi]

I've always wanted suspensions to be decided by a vote from all the GMs of the teams not involved. Come to a 30 person decision knowing what you give could be coming back to you if you go too high or low when your player is involved. The DOPS is joke that doesn't care.

[@bakedalaskax]

If DOPS gets anything right, it's by sheer goddamn accident 🙄

[@CoachingCanuck]

Naw...it's cause it's the leafs

[@davidfitzpatrick6535]

Im sorry but Im a leafs fan and Rielly ABSOLUTELY DESERVED the five game suspension. Why? Because a head shot is a head shot is a headshot. If we're going to take headshots seriously then it doesnt matter imo intent why could he slow down etc because it tells the other players that HEADSHOTTING IS NOT OKAY.

[@chrisg1556]

But Trouba swong his stick at a dudes head earlier this season and only got a fine. Why? Where's the consistency? Clearly, some head shots are ok in Parros' eyes.

[@davidfitzpatrick6535]

@@chrisg1556 fair enough and I think thats the problem that for whatever reason the players safety and the refs have something against the leafs and I think its because a lot of them grew up Leaf fans and they dont want accusations of bias like the video review guys get.

[@NeonLeon9]

To be fair, the only "whatabouts" you should use are ones from this year.

[@scottwill19]

Last time I was this early I was disappointing my wife

[@DR.DisInfect]

Nothings changed

[@-Subtle-]

See yourself out.

[@curtisjoseph7228]

😂 I know it's never happened before 😂

[@Wayne_155]

Lucky for her, she has your brother to fall back on

[@HarrisonHollers]

No worries. I took care of her. Wonderful woman!

[@Flynn380_]

It's not just Leaf fans sir. The complete lack of consistency by the Department of Player Safety in handing out punishments from incident to incident has also had the direct result of a lack of consistency in the calling of the games by the refs from one game to the next. In one game a ref will not call a penalty on something and "let the players play" and the refs in the next game will call a game misconduct for the exact same thing. It leads to confusion amongst the players in general and that is a problem for the entire league and one that needs to be corrected. Hopefully sooner than later.

[@KeegoTheWise]

we all know 5 games won’t be the standard going forward because the last suspension for a crosscheck to the head of an unsuspecting player this season was 6 games. they’ve already lopped 1 game off that, so i expect the next such instance to only get 4 games on a real note, some of y’all in the comments need to look in the mirror if you can so easily and earnestly pivot from mocking people who think the league is rigged in the leafs’ favor (and they *should* be mocked) to saying rielly getting a slightly smaller suspension than perron for a similar action (a rare case of consistency from the dops) is proof that the league is biased against the leafs

[@neilweir-smith8228]

"injuries matter, until they don't" reminds me of when Cogliano had his neck broken and it wasn't even a penalty, or a fine or anything. Apparently it's allowed to break someone's neck as long as you can have the slightest amount of "but he shouldn't play with his head down"'ism and ignore that the hit was from behind and into the boards. Will never not be salty about that.

[@jamesstemmler7620]

I stopped listening to the actual game to come watch this video the moment I got the notification😂

[@Eric-uh7nl]

FIve games was too little of a punishment, and using the league inconsistency argument is nothing but deflection from the real issue, Rielly's clear intent to injure.

[@clarko44]

You knew it was going to be 5 as soon as they said in person hearing. Department of player safety is a joke and there's no standard. Parros is a clown who can't do his job.

[@RememberMe123-b4b]

You're 100% correct.... should have been 10. What a joke Parros is, puts "ick" in pathetic.

[@pajamatime5750]

@@RememberMe123-b4bThere is no “ick” in pathetic brainiac!

[@LordNioh]

​@@RememberMe123-b4b 10 games dude you must be a troll

[@RememberMe123-b4b]

@@LordNioh WHAT?.... YOU THINK REILLY WAS IN THE RIGHT??!!!! That makes about as much sense as the 1st contestant on the "Price is Right" showcase showdown ALWAYS passing on the SUV to the 2nd contestant.... WHY DO THEY DO THAT (I've noticed the last 20 years a lot of that's going on), and guess what the 2nd prize is?..... you guessed it.... a fuckin' boat!!.... and I turns to my wife and I says in my best Homer Simpson voice "oh, much better than a truck" and she looks at me puzzled that I said 'truck' instead of 'suv' (I pretend I don't really notice). So anyways to make a long story even longer,.... of course, I have to yell out my bid for each package (after 50 years of watching, you could well imagine I'm pretty good) ...after the commercial break, Drew Carey welcomes everybody back (by the way, don't mind him... could have got somebody else.... but who am I).... goes to the 1st guy... OVERBID!!!!.... HAH!!!, I say to myself. Goes to the 2nd guy,... OVERBID!!!!!...... DOUBLE OVERBID!!!! ( typical Americans) What a waste of an hour of my life!!!! So.... getting back to your comment, I guess I am a troll

[@Gl-my8fw]

​@@RememberMe123-b4bno... greig did 10x worse to dubois and got 1 pre season and 1 regular season game.

[@safertobeanonymous2224]

Also depends when it happens Feb it’s 5 games Piterangelo tries to amputate Leon’s arm and it’s the same as getting into a fight later that game. 🤷‍♂️

[@racingjays427]

I mean, we're seeing what happens when a goon is in charge of safety in the league. Players that are perpetually hitting others in the head, i.e. Jacob Trouba, get minimal supplemental discipline, but Morgan Rielly, and David Perron, who both had ZERO suspensions in their careers prior to this get the book thrown at them is absurd. I agree with precedent, but it appears as though George Parros doesn't understand the definition of the terms precedent or consistency.

[@Stephen333]

This had been an issue far longer then Parros had been the head of DOPS

[@racingjays427]

@@Stephen333 That is true. In the history of the DOPS, we've had Brendan Shanahan and Stephane Quintal running the show. Of course, Shanahan left the DOPS when he took over the Leafs in 2014.

[@Stephen333]

@racingjays427 it almost makes you wonder if the Head really makes the final decision or not. Its always been inconsistent as hell who knows whats going on over there lol

[@SoaringEmbers]

Add Gallagher to the list too.

[@bajjanitor]

You start off sounding like you think it's far too lenient because this goon refuses to punish dirty hits, then you go on and it sound like you think it's too much.

[@adrianpurcell5319]

As a Canes fan, I would be cool with the 5 games for the cross-check, but the inconsistency makes it difficult to deal with. If I was a betting man, I would bet that the next cross-check to the face gets 3 games at most. It's so hard to take this league seriously.

[@philippeh-l5334]

We need a head of DPS who didn’t get KOd by a Leaf 👍🏽

[@curtisjoseph7228]

Parros still holds a grudge Leafs have the most suspensions since he's had the job

[@KS-xk2so]

@@curtisjoseph7228 Most games too I believe.... its a joke.

[@blainesleep]

Being a Gen X, I preferred the Don Cherry school of hockey - F around and find out! For those podcast hosts that love the NBA for their showboating ways, that is exactly why I won't watch those sports. I admit I sometimes have a hard time listening to people who didn't play above Minor Hockey, trying to tell everyone what's wrong with hockey. I don't want hockey for everyone if it means the great game of hockey has to change to make everyone feel good. Morgan Rielly should have dropped his gloves and beat Ridley Greig with his bare knuckles, he didn't, so Morgan should have got 2 games MAX.

[@WhyteLycan]

Can't wait to hear about the Mcmann hatty tonight!

[@thewickedone2676]

Can't believe that I'm going to defend the Department of Player Safety, but all of the instances Dangle used to compare were in the playoffs. The league has already said playoff games weigh heavier than season games, which is why those suspensions were less games.

[@insertlastname]

Maybe leaf’s players should play between the whistles

[@davebrutto]

Maybe all the other teams should do the same. Panthers much. Stupid take here

[@gohabs8918]

You being logical and having common sense takes is lost on leafs fans

[@sinnytoo]

its such a simple fix. a 5 minute major with 2 mins left or less gets reviewed by a panel of 3 current or former NHL REFEREES. if 2 agree its a major : 1st infration =2 games 2nd infraction 5 games 3rd 10 games and so on. OR.. intent to injure theyre out as long as the injured party.but that leaves foolery available. "hes hurt" no hes not etc etc

[@Daniel-x7r2s]

Pinto 41 games is the longest suspension this season

[@makenziebrothers408]

That doesn’t count. That’s not in a game.

[@-Subtle-]

Not from DOPS.

[@brufrog]

That’s a bit different. He meant for on ice incidents.

[@HT-jj5sx]

Yeah, consistency is the issue. Agreed Steveo, love ya.

[@jamesblight8073]

I remember a year where Dale Hunter (Capitals) got suspended for half a season after hitting Pat LaFontaine (Sabres) after LaFontaine scored a se goal to wlin a playoff series.

[@jimmyjones1102]

It was Pierre turgeon on the isles.

[@gohabs8918]

Turgeon, not LaFontaine. Isles too, not the Sabres

[@rippenb161]

Yup, but it also caused injury and the player did not see it coming at all.

[@IzakD8]

Remember when Knies got injured against the Panthers in the playoffs and the player who injured him intentionally didn't even get a penalty, let alone a fine or a suspension?

[@Leafsdude_]

You know what, I'll give the NHL the smallest, _smallest,_ benefit of the doubt, and assume they *do* have a rock-solid standard for suspension that we just don't get, but makes absolute sense when you think about it. The problem with that is _we don't get it because they won't tell us about it!_ The DoPS suspension videos are lovely, except they don't really ever tell you _why_ a given suspension is 5 games, or 3 games, or a fine. They just tell you the facts and then give out what sounds like an arbitrary number at the end that is the suspension. They never connect the points to the suspension length. It's really the best bit of pointless PR that the NHL did, because everyone sung their praises when they actually did jack-all in regards to explaining anything to anyone.

[@vadimkozlov3008]

It was a cowardly clown move. You are part of the problem with hockey if you think this is okay. You expect to see a response? Drop the gloves face to face. This was a cross check to the back of the head, a cheap shot with intent to injure. Could have ruined his career. 5 game is not enough.

[@stevet5087]

For all the geniuses in here… from the Sens press conference on this matter, Greig spoke on if Rielly's cross-check surprised him - "Yeah, a little bit. I don't think you're ever expecting the guy to come cross check you in the face. But I'm also not sure if he meant to do that." Even the victim himself doubts the intent. Interesting…

[@category7273]

You do that against ANY other team in the NHL and you will be eating steak with a straw

[@jordanl5436]

Doesn’t matter tho it happened

[@stevet5087]

@@jordanl5436 …intent actually does matter. As do repeat offenders, which Reilly is not. At all.

[@wanka6392]

@@category7273 haha you moron this happens every season

[@Machine3499]

Best news is that Treliving is supposed to address the media tomorrow about the Rielly suspension.

[@cjmac7835]

I would say calm down but….. just keep being you Steve

[@TheGunman18]

you must be new here.

[@cjmac7835]

@@TheGunman18 definitely not new lol

[@SirJaymesDAudelée]

Honestly the most mind boggling part of this whole thing is how Ridley Grieg took a slap shot 4 feet from an empty net and then skated back towards his bench with a smile - COMPLETELY oblivious, as though any thought of retaliation for the act was, like, the furthest thing from his mind. What a tool.

[@SirTorrence]

To be fair, a lot of Wings fans said the same for Perron, and this is at least consistent with that standard.

[@KS-xk2so]

I feel like the Perron situation was a bit different only because the "victim" literally did nothing except motion for stretchers for Larkin lol like he just straight up gooned the wrong guy..... there was a "reason" for the hit on Greig... we can argue about the validity of that reason, but still a bit different. Perron also had one of two fines previously as well I believe, for cross checks, whereas Rielly's record was clean.

[@bajjanitor]

@@KS-xk2so What the victim of the infraction has done doesn't factor into suspensions so that doesn't matter one bit.

[@KS-xk2so]

@@bajjanitor Get real. Everything factors in.

[@bajjanitor]

@@KS-xk2so In a way. But it's incredibly silly to argue for things that shouldn't factor in because that's never ending. Like then it was a difference that one was named Rielly and one was named Perron, one played for Detroit the other for Toronto, one attacked a young player the other attacked a veteran. It becomes nonsensical instantly.

[@KS-xk2so]

@@bajjanitor based on the completely nonsensical results the DoPS regularly dispense, that sounds about right.

[@stephenphillips6245]

3 games, and a movie, would have been fair ...LoL

[@austinkowalski5512]

Shouldn’t been 6, David Perron got six.

[@billyblazes1135]

For a second I wasn't sure how you said the department of player safety is doing a good job with a straight face.

[@gwnfishing9281]

Was the suspension deserved? Yes. Was the reaction deserved? Yes. Will this help the mentality of the leafs? I hope.

[@NXT_LVL]

ah doubtful... they'll cry about the missed tripping call in the next game.. or the offside call that took 10 minutes to review that didn't go their way.

[@jaron91]

The reason unwritten rules are not written down is because they are freaking stupid and pointless.

[@Disturbed1TV]

Fighting is in the game so players can police themselves. Drop the gloves next time. Morgan let his emotions get the best of him. I'm not saying jump him like Bertuzzi, but at least challenge him.

[@rhaspados666]

Grieg Turtles 100% in that scenario

[@waynethera2712]

Morgan shoulda gave an old fashioned two handed chop on the ankle and said you are a target for that be prepared to fight.

[@adamrichmond6348]

I think just straight up charge when he turned to celly. Call it a late hit and skate right to the box while he tries to scrape himself off the ice.

[@tourstriker]

5 is complete Horse dookie. Too many examples of the same infraction getting less, or nothing. No injury, either. Leafs fan here. But, I’d be saying the same if this was Marchand. 🤮

[@alectaylor3238]

perron crosschecks zub to the face gets 6 games reilly crosschecks greig to the head gets 5 games leafs fans: iTs aBoUt pReCeDEnT!!

[@northerngurl6178]

Now give more examples or you just gonna cherry pick the one that fits your narrative??

[@alectaylor3238]

@@northerngurl6178 ill stick with the closest comparable from this season thanks 👍

[@northerngurl6178]

@@alectaylor3238 yea, because Trouba's axe swing to the head happened so long ago, I mean, it's almost like it never happened, cherry pickers gonna cherry pick

[@rvdsmith]

Don't yell at me...I am a Maple Leafs fan and believe that Morgan deserved to be suspended. It was a hotheaded stupid move.

[@muse6815]

This was the correct decision. But I agree with Steve, the fact that people are not consistently given 4-6 games for this makes it worse.

[@709mash]

Exactly. It's not that he got 5 games (it's deserved and fits the act), but the point is the DoPS never gives the right suspensions when they're deserved. Like Steve said, it's presedent (or rather lack there of). Perros has to go, he's utterly useless.

[@user-il8rc4md6n]

The league played this like a fiddle. Rielly’s play compared to other cross checks could’ve been a fine to max three games. But by claiming the Perron incident as precedent, calling for an in person hearing so they can give five or more games, and then suspending Rielly for 5 games meaning if he appeals it goes to Bettman instead of an independent arbitrator, the league gets all the power. Bettman will not overturn his and Parros’s own decision. Case closed, Leafs screwed, league happy.

[@07foxmulder]

Steve, you can’t use words like ‘precedent” because Habs and Jets fans are watching. More than two syllables confuses them.

[@jamminninja8924]

leafs fans cant say round 3 of the playoffs either lol

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

Imagine chirping other teams on a video about a Leaf getting suspended for a dumbass play

[@deltagolavista1]

Regardless of what his suspension was, this was and always will be the response until this current Player Safety team is replaced even though they are the most transparent division of the NHL with their videos explaining why players are getting a suspension. I think they need to start releasing videos for their fines and explaining why the action only amounts to a fine and doesn't rise to the level of a suspension.

[@NXT_LVL]

What about... ITS A DIFFERENT SEASON thus the "what abouts" from previous years, games or playoffs dont really count do they? Its the principle. 6 seconds left, in a game you already lost? Thats like hey, we drove 600 miles at 100mph breaking a ton of traffic laws... you know what there's 2 miles left in the trip before we get home safe and sound, lets go hit a cop car. Then go.. OMG they arrested me? for What? what about the 598miles worth of infractions? They didn't pull you over then, until you plowed into a cop care TWO MILES FROM HOME? What did you expect a hug and a cookie?

[@elistewart1780]

Funny how Steve just quotes Julian Mackenzie's take on this situation when going over ridiculous responses

[@photodave219]

….. Dale Hunter has entered the chat.

[@bikingD]

Interesting stat only player in history to have over 1,000 points and over 3,000 penalty minutes. Makes him truly one of the greatest players of all time.

[@photodave219]

@@bikingD Not arguing that. Just.... He gets a 1/4 season suspension in 1987 and the league regresses to only a mere five games for the same thing years later? Makes me think the DOPS just isnt interested in the safety of players....

[@bikingD]

@@photodave219 It just feels like that is what he was known for but was actually Hunter was such a great player. Also if not a Leaf Rielly would have got 10 games.

[@DerekS-kq3zh]

5 is fair. He shouldn't have done that, he knows it, he's been punished. Not too lenient, not too harsh, honestly just right.

[@TheCrazyCanuck420]

It's strange when they get it right 😂

[@paulthompson8793]

I'm fine with 5 games if the league would at least be consistent with it, but they aren't, you're either going to get a fine or something up to 5+ games. You'd swear they just pick the punishment out of a hat.

[@red3here]

It’s 4 now.

[@gibberish5388]

​@@red3here It's still a 5 game suspension even if he's already served a day.

[@YasserUM]

Better Help should sponsor NHL Player Safety as their decisions boggle the noggin!

[@peacebringer8]

The Bruins guy spearing a man on the groin, without the puck anywhere near the play and only getting fined is the kind of thing that makes us lose faith on Player Safety

[@BrotherAlan74]

So great to see a die hard fan use logic and thought in the argument. Yes 100% we should be able to have faith that suspensions/fines are consistent, in the same way we hope that on ice officiating is consistent. That way, no fan or player can then ever retreat into the warm embrace of having a double standard to justify their position. Great analysis, great video and great point, and this from a Flyers fan!

[@Rob-uc8zr]

should've matched Perron's, Reilly got off easy.

[@dovidrotenberg4690]

I agree with the criticism of the inconsistency of the Department of Player Safety . Nevertheless dangerous use of a LETHAL WEAPON, a hockey stick, CANNOT BE TOLERATED!!! In 1905 during a hockey game in Maxville, North Glengarry, Ontario, a fatal on ice incident occurred. Allan Loney killed an opposing player, Alcide Laurin, with his hockey stick. He was accused of manslaughter but was acquitted based on self defense. BARBARISM HAS NO PLACE IN ICE HOCKEY NOR IN ANY OTHER SPORT! WHAT'S UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT ALL ABOUT ANYWAY!!!!!

[@rockinrodlittle]

Right

[@MingTongPang54]

I was guessing 6 because the crosscheck was very similar to the one that got Perron suspended for 6 games.

[@NatDubs58]

Perron 1) aimed directly for the head, and for better or worse, based on Lizotte, that matters to DOPS 2) had gotten a fine for another crosschecking infraction less than 18 months previously. Rielly hit shoulder first+has zero history with DOPS. One game less makes sense with that in mind.

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

@@NatDubs58Fines dont count as priors(unless repeatitive)

[@gohabs8918]

@@NatDubs58 lol shoulder first. Wrongo. I love when people lie when video evidence exists lol

[@c95w13]

This is why you don’t let a guy who’s brains are still splattered on the Scotiabank Arena ice be the league disciplinarian

[@outbackyak5949]

Leaf's fan: HE HAD EVERY RIGHT TO SMASH IN HIS FACE!!!!!! HE DID A SLAPSHOT!!!!!! Every other fan base: Nothing justifies that action, he knew exactly what his doing its not the 80's ........ 5 games is fair

[@nbeggs2009]

I think Leafs should test that theory next time they get an empty netter. Pretty sure they will get a reaction from the opposing team.

[@outbackyak5949]

they had every right to react, you dont have a right to check someone in the face ..... @@nbeggs2009

[@AndyPhelps]

Great video, too bad you didn't see Perron's suspension.... ohh, wait...

[@WB25Penn]

They are delusional Leaf fans. Let them cry. Lol😂

[@northerngurl6178]

So you didn't watch the video? He literally mentioned the Perron suspension and asked if this would be the standard going forward, you can't compare Rielly to Perron without comparing to every other, Perron isn't the only comparable, it's just the only one ya'll are cherry picking

[@AndyPhelps]

read my response again, please.@@northerngurl6178

[@johnprezioso270]

Whataboutism is always strong in the NHL and I'm not buying the precedent argument. Every case is unique, and sometimes you're not going to agree. I don't do whataboutism. The 5-game suspension is fair. It might even be light.

[@redshyguynumber5567]

Calgary Fan, this is basically beat for beat what happened with Rasmus Andersson, minus the slapshot

[@rickyma3189]

Yes, but Laine was injured and missed at least 1 game. Not sure if it was more. I know they say they don't take into consideration the result or the intent. But there needs to be a standard. I think zlesfs fans are fine with 5 games. The standard is set then, any cross check to the neck or head is at least 5 games regardless of outcome. But we all know the NHL DoPS won't do that.

[@alexconnor9680]

​@@rickyma3189Laine suffered a concussion and missed several weeks, way more than the 4 games Andersson missed I think the extra game for Reilly is because his hit came after the whistle

[@bajjanitor]

Lol it's nowhere close. He didn't use the stick and Laine was legal to hit at that time. That was just an illegal check to the head. This one was an illegal check to the head, cross-checking, interference and unsportsmanlike conduct.

[@rockinrodlittle]

Never mind what abouts. Big part of the decision from Player Safety was how long Morgan had to think about what he was going to do. This wasn’t a cross check in the heat of battle. I think Steve knows that. As a dad and grand dad of hockey boys and a girl, it scares me to see that stick to the neck and head. My son played Bantam AAA and there was one kid in the league who only wanted to injure opponents. And he took cheap shots all the time (including against a young Nathan MacKinnon on our team. Imagine if he ended that kid’s hockey playing days). Real toughness is great and I love that about hockey. I am 60 and still play as it makes me feel alive to get into a battle. Honour must be taught at the lowest level of hockey. If it’s not, you get what we saw. Maybe we can hope this suspension becomes the norm and we will stop seeing that crap any more.

[@terryliamakeros4552]

The amount of cross checks that are the same as Reilly that got less or no games is insane and that’s just this season

[@CaptainFordo21]

How many crosschecks happen after play is blown dead and multiple seconds after the goal?

[@709mash]

​@@CaptainFordo21 To the head and face? Not that many.

[@gohabs8918]

lol cope

[@sandwedge]

@@CaptainFordo21 not sure, how many douchebags are firing slapshots into empty nets?

[@bajjanitor]

That's unfortunate. Thanks for bringing attention to that. :)

[@MapleLeaf0269]

Great points, Steve. Especially, the ridiculous playoff situation.

[@ethanbortner]

Brian Burke once quoted no matter what you do in Player Safety someone will always disagree with the calls no matter what 😂

[@shawnshana4343]

Yeah... but the problem is that everyone disagrees with the all the calls the currant 🤡in charge of DOPS makes. It's literally spin the wheel of punishment.

[@razvanzamfir1545]

If they'd be consistent, I think less people would be upset. I'm okay with the 5, as a Habs fan. Gally got the same; stronger hit, but didn't chase his target. 🍻

[@lionelflores8339]

No. Absolutely not. What Rielly did is beer league shit. I'm all for sending a message to some unspoken rules but to try and hurt someone' is bullshit.

[@MrJoepeps]

He got what I thought he would get. 2 Games for the on ice stuff and 3 games for being a Leaf

[@seanr.6596]

Cry more

[@MrJoepeps]

@@seanr.6596 seems like ur the only one crying... 2 games 3 games 5 games 10 games I don't care lol... Was just sharing my thoughts on what would happen

[@Djungelurban]

So what you're saying is that hockey players has always been adult sized toddlers...

[@travishopkins6539]

Curious as to why you brought up incidents from 3 years ago but not David Perron THIS YEAR getting a similar punishment

[@jonathanstewart5269]

He did bring it up.

[@atigersgrin]

Watch the video again. He does mention the Perron suspension.

[@travishopkins6539]

@@atigersgrinI should’ve clarified, he didn’t bring it up when talking about all of the “what about’s”. He brought it up because it was the longest suspension this season. He talks about precedent but doesn’t compare the two similar actions and their similar punishments

[@travishopkins6539]

@@atigersgrin Don’t get me wrong, he’s not wrong to bring those up, but if you’re going to bring up precedent, you have to acknowledge the Perron cross check

[@christophercharles3169]

You're totally correct. It shouldn't matter whether he meant to do it or not. It's careless use of his stick that resulted in a head shot. It's also careless use of his brain for which he should have got 2 games as well. Head shots are head shots except when it comes to the NHL.

[@Droz75]

It should've been four games at best. But I can't wait until something like this happens again and player X gets a fine or a few games.

[@red3here]

I mean it’s 4 games now.

[@csolivais1979]

Peron got 6 for basically the same thing, so at least they are somewhat consistent.

[@CoachingCanuck]

Lawsuits need to be filed against the NHL for anything to actually change. They'll never change until they have money threatened.

[@BreakChannelZero]

That's fair penalty for outright assault. But yeah, the league desperately needs to get serious about being consistent.

[@gmkisok3978]

Steve is right. Player discipline talks out of both sides of their mouth.

[@powwowken2760]

Less than I feared he would get, more than he probably deserved yet exactly what I expected. The Department of Player Safety is kind of terrible at their job...

[@hellinterface6721]

Past infractions should matter. Morgan was completely clean until this. Does that not get taken into affect?

[@maybesami4270]

I have watched hockey for over four decades now and have started to realize that the "tough hockey plays" are often just tantrums from players whose feelings have been hurt. So yes, players can definitely sometimes be like babies

[@jefflarson1652]

Every celly is showing up the other team. Quit acting like a slap shot into an empty net is in some moronic way disrespectful. Tell me the last time a slap shot into an empty net got this kind of reaction. I've seen it numerous times and the player NEVER got attacked and nobody said boo. Yeah, this is a Leafs fans thing.