Leafs' Ryan Reaves Takes Respectable Course of Action Following Hit on Darnell Nurse
Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves makes a very respectable gesture towards Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse following illegal check to the head.
Tied at 1 during the second period, Reaves was being aggressive on the forecheck as Nurse was attempting to carry the puck out from behind the Oilers' net. Unfortunately, when Reaves committed to his check, he caught Nurse with a very dangerous and predatory hit.
Reaves was given a match penalty for an illegal check to the head for the hit and Nurse was forced to leave the game with what the Oilers called an upper-body injury.
After both players were forced out of the game, Reaves issued an apology to the Oilers defenceman. During the third period, Reaves visited the Oilers' locker room to speak to Nurse face-to-face. According to Edmonton beat reporter Jack Michaels, Nurse appeared to be in good spirits following the game and was seen joking with trainers.
As we have seen in the past, the Leafs typically do not get any favouritism from the league and Reaves will likely receive some sort of hearing and a suspension from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. This time, however, a suspension is actually deserved.
The Leafs have surprisingly fought just three times with Craig Berube behind the bench. Many don't see a need for Reaves in the lineup if he isn't fighting, even if he plays with an edge.
The problem with guys who play on the edge is that, on occasion, they tend to cross the line. Reaves has a history with Player Safety, so look for the league to make an example of him.
