The game between the Ottawa Senators and the Maple Leafs ended with a bang. Senators’ rookie Ridley Greig intercepted a puck when the Maple Leafs desperately tried to tie the game. Instead of shooting the game-clinching goal into a wide-open net, he fired a celebratory slapshot into the empty net. The Maple Leafs Morgan Rielly, usually one of the good guys, chased Greig to the boards and cross-checked him hard.
At the time, I wondered why Grieg would do what he did. Why choose to make such a statement? But I never would have anticipated Rielly’s response. It wasn’t the player I’d come to know over the years.
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Questions About Sportsmanship and Behavior Arise
Since this altercation, there have been discussions about sportsmanship and appropriate on-ice behaviour. Commentators have offered differing perspectives on the incident, with some criticizing Greig for his unnecessary celebration. Others condemned Rielly for his excessive reaction. All around, it seemed like such an odd (and wrong) thing to have happened – competitive spirit, or not.
These emotions are present and can (and do) influence player behavior, especially in intense moments. But, there’s no doubt that the critics who argued that Rielly’s response went too far are correct. All I could think, because it was Rielly, is that it has to be a tough thing to maintain one’s composure and professionalism on the ice, especially in the face of provocation.
So, What Were Greig and Rielly Thinking?
Imagining the Event from Ridley Greig’s Perspective
As a rookie, Ridley Greig likely experienced a rush of adrenaline and excitement when he intercepted the puck. He had the opportunity to score a game-clinching goal. In the heat of the moment, he decided to fire a celebratory slapshot into the empty net. Why rub it in?
Had any of the veterans on his team talked with him about the “what if” possibility, I doubt they would have encouraged his choice. I can’t imagine it’s covered. As a result, in this new experience, Grieg might have been influenced by a desire to make a statement or to assert his presence on the ice. Additionally, Greig might have been caught up in the excitement of potentially securing a victory for his team against a thought (Battle of Ontario, after all) opponent like the Maple Leafs.
However, his choice to celebrate flashy would be seen as immature or disrespectful by both opponents and teammates.
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Imagining the Incident From Morgan Rielly’s Perspective
Morgan Rielly, typically known for his sportsmanship and level-headedness on the ice, was likely caught off guard by Greig’s celebratory slapshot. As a seasoned player, Rielly likely holds certain expectations of respect for one’s opposition. After all, players from both teams are trying to do the same job.
I have to imagine that the rule of thumb is one should expect decorum among and from opponents, especially in critical game situations. Greig’s action was likely perceived as provocative or disrespectful, prompting Rielly to react impulsively with a cross-check in retaliation. It’s just not the way things should be done!
In the heat of the moment, Rielly’s emotions likely overrode his usual demeanor, leading to an uncharacteristic response. What Maple Leafs’ fans certainly became aware of is just how deeply intense Riley’s desire to win goes. Additionally, Rielly’s competitive desire extends to defending his team’s honor. Hence, his decision to confront Greig physically.
Hockey Is an Intense Game Filled with Split-Second Decisions
Overall, the incident highlights the intense emotions and split-second decisions that can occur in NHL games. While Greig’s celebration might have been fueled by youthful exuberance, Rielly’s reaction underscores the challenges of maintaining composure and professionalism on the ice, even in the face of provocation.
Both were wrong.
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