Sheldon Keefe Makes A Shocking Statement On Morgan Rielly's Ruthless Cross-Check

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James Connelly
February 11, 2024 (10:56)

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Morgan Rielly will almost certainly be suspended for cross-checking a rookie in the head after a disrespectful goal and Sheldon Keefe has commented on the matter.

Rielly Cross-Check's Greig

Last night, Ottawa Senators rookie Ridly Greig absolutely disrespected the Toronto Maple Leafs by unloading a slapshot into the empty net from just a few feet out.

The goal caused quite a ruckus as Morgan Rielly immediately went up to Greig and cross-checked him in the head after the play. As a result of this, Rielly was ejected and will likely have a hearing with the NHL DoPS.

Keefe Comments On Rielly's Actions

After the game, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe commented on Rielly's hit and it is more than concerning.

"I thought it was appropriate. Our players have the right to react." - Sheldon Keefe on Morgan Rielly's cross-check

While it was disrespectful of Greig, cross-checking a guy in the back of the head after play has stopped is simply intolerable from Rielly. Many commented on Greig breaking 'the code' and how Rielly's response was not the right one to make.

ESPN reporter Greg Wyshynski had this to say about the play:

I mean if we're playing The Code game shouldn't Rielly just drop the mitts instead of cross-checking him in the head?

We will now await a suspension announcement from the DoPS and see how many games Rielly spends sidelined.