Commissioner Gary Bettman upholds Morgan Rielly’s five-game NHL suspension for cross-checking Ridly Greig

The Sens player would find himself alone in front of empty net. However, instead of just tucking the puck away, he would execute a slapshot. This did not go down well with Rielly who was chasing him down. He would take an exception for this and cross-check him leading to furious reactions from social media users.

For this actions, the Maple Leafs forward was assessed a five minute major and game misconduct. He though was later handed a five-game suspension which he appealed. While upholding this suspension Bettman claimed this actions were not something done in self-defense.

Mr. Rielly's actions were not taken in self-defense. They were not accidental and they were not reflexive. They were not simply careless or merely reckless. Gary Bettman on Morgan Rielly’s suspension as per NHL.com.

The Commissioner later revealed that the reason Rielly only got a five-game suspension was because of his previous clean record and the fact that no one was seriously injured in this incident. His suspension otherwise would have been much longer.

Maple Leafs on four-game winning streak since Morgan Rielly’ suspension

In a stunning contrast to the suspension of Morgan Rielly, the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently on a four-game winning streak. Since the loss against the Senators, the Leafs have picked up important wins against the St Louis. Blues, Philadelphia Flyers and the Anaheim Ducks. This has led to a question among fans whether the team is playing better without him?

Despite the winning run, his absence at the backend of the defense can be felt. Leafs’ forward William Nylander recently spoke about it and said that Rielly’s suspension has fired the team and thus they are playing harder without him.

We've answered the bell. I think Mo (Morgan Rielly) lit the fire in the team. Yeah, we're batting for Mo William Nylander on Morgan Rielly’s suspension as per Sportsnet.

Rielly will now sit out of the next game of the Leafs against the Arizona Coyotes. He will eligible to return to the team on Thursday when his side face the Vegas Golden Knights at the T-Mobile Arena. The Toronto-based outfit are currently third in their division, nine points behind second place Boston Bruins albeit playing two games less than them.