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Leafs defenseman Rielly suspended five games for checking Greig – Winnipeg Free Press

Posted on by Neons

NEW YORK – The NHL has suspended Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly for five games for a head check on Ottawa Senators forward Ridley Greig.

Rielly high-checked Greig after the Senators forward made a shot into an empty net with 5.1 seconds left in Ottawa's 5-3 win over Toronto on Saturday night.

Rielly received a major penalty for cross-checking and a game violation.

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov (35) makes a save as Morgan Rielly (44) and New York Islanders' Kyle Palmieri (21) look for a rebound in the third period of NHL hockey Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in Toronto.THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Frank Gunn
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) makes a save as Morgan Rielly (44) and New York Islanders' Kyle Palmieri (21) face off during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

The NHL's decision came before the St. Louis Blues were hosted in Toronto on Tuesday night.

“This play occurs after a goal has been scored, is late in the game, and is for punitive purposes only,” the league's Department of Player Safety said in a video explaining the reason for the suspension.

Rielly will miss most of six games in 10 days for the Maple Leafs, who are trying to hold on to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

He could return when the Maple Leafs visit the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 22.

Toronto entered Tuesday's game holding the first wild card in the Eastern Conference, tied with Detroit and four points ahead of the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders.