Ryan Reaves gets called out, and this time it's well-deserved
When Ryan Reaves steps onto the ice, his job is very simple: protect his teammates and be an imposing physical presence on the ice. In terms of pure hockey skill, there are many players who aren't in the NHL that are better. Reavo is in the league, and on the Leafs, because he has the unique ability to protect his teammates and change the momentum of a hockey game through his physical play.
On the latest episode of the Steve Dangle Podcast, Reaves was called out for failing in his duties. In the Leafs' first game against the Florida Panthers since their 4-1 second round series loss last season, fans wanted blood, and expected retribution. What they got was a sleepy start, a lack of emotion and, after 1 period, a 2-0 deficit.
During the 2nd period, Panthers defenseman Dimitri Kulikov sent William Nylander head first into the boards with a dangerous shove from behind. There was no call on the play and Nylander stayed down, but was able to shake it off. The problem? There was no reaction from the Leafs. This was pointed out by Steve Dangle as a moment where Ryan Reaves didn't do his job.
In this case, Steve is 100% right. Reaves got a 3-year contract that pays $1.35M per year. His job, the reason he makes the money he does, is to protect the highly paid, highly skilled superstars on this team. If he's not doing that? The Leafs are better off with someone else on the ice.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 23 | 678 ANSWERS Ryan Reaves gets called out, and this time it's well-deserved Should Reaves be standing up for his teammates more? | ||
| Yes, that's why he's here | 359 | 52.9 % |
| He can't fight every game | 96 | 14.2 % |
| Signing him was a mistake | 112 | 16.5 % |
| This was just a missed assignment. He's fine | 111 | 16.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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