One of the major stories in the NHL since this weekend has revolved around Morgan Rielly, a defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Rielly’s reaction to Ridly Grieg’s powerful shot that sealed the Ottawa Senators’ 5-3 victory over the Leafs on Saturday night has garnered significant attention. Grieg’s action violated an unwritten rule in hockey, and Rielly’s decision to cross-check him in the head has faced substantial criticism. It brings to mind the infamous incident in 1993 when Dale Hunter struck Pierre Turgeon, resulting in a 21-game suspension for Hunter. Following the Rielly incident, it was announced that he would undergo an in-person hearing with the league, which suggests the possibility of a suspension lasting more than five games. However, there has been a slight change of plans due to inclement weather conditions. Rielly’s hearing will now be conducted virtually as a nor’easter storm hits New York City, where the NHL’s offices are located. Consequently, Rielly will participate in the hearing via a Zoom call with the Department of Player Safety. This development raises the question of why all disciplinary hearings are not held virtually, especially considering the widespread use of platforms like Facetime and Zoom. Perhaps the inconvenience of traveling for hearings is intentionally included as part of the punishment. Nevertheless, Rielly may find solace in the fact that he can receive the news of his impending suspension comfortably in his lounge pants. In that regard, it could be considered a small victory for him.
According to the Source outkick.com