November 17th 2024.
The National Hockey League's Department of Safety announced on Sunday that Toronto Maple Leafs player Ryan Reaves has been suspended for five games without pay. This comes as a result of an illegal check that Reaves made to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse during Saturday's game. In addition to the suspension, Reaves has also been fined $35,156.25.
The incident occurred at 2:38 of the second period in Toronto's 4-3 overtime victory. Nurse had possession of the puck along the end boards in his own zone when Reaves approached and delivered a high hit. The impact was forceful enough to cause Nurse's helmet to almost come off and left him with blood on his face. The 29-year-old appeared to be disoriented and had difficulty getting back on his feet. Medical personnel were quick to attend to him and he was unable to continue playing.
As a result of the hit, Reaves was given a match penalty. This penalty is reserved for the most severe infractions and can result in an automatic ejection from the game. The severity of the hit and its consequences were taken into consideration by the Department of Safety when deciding on Reaves' suspension.
The NHL has been cracking down on dangerous plays and hits to the head in recent years, in an effort to protect players and promote safety. Reaves' suspension is another example of the league's commitment to holding players accountable for their actions on the ice. This serves as a reminder to all players to be mindful of their actions and to prioritize the safety of their opponents.
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