NHL and Edmonton Oilers fans are angry about the headshot Toronto Maple Leafs Ryan Reaves put on Darnell Nurse during Saturday night’s game.
Ryan Reaves receives a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Darnell Nurse. pic.twitter.com/hVZN9FJpRY
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2024
There has been no official word on Nurse‘s condition though he was reportedly seen walking and talking with the trainers in the Oilers locker room. Reaves was spotted going to the Oilers locker room during the third period to apologize for the incident.
Nurse’s teammates were understandably upset. After the Oilers’ 4-3 overtime loss, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins addressed the hit.
“It’s a dangerous play & he’s gotta know that Nursey doesn’t see him coming & choose the right path there. He doesn’t & it’s tough to see one of your teammates on the ice like that.”
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the Ryan Reaves hit on Darnell Nurse.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/KLdcUbg1tc
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 17, 2024
Most fans believe this was malicious and preventable, and Reaves should be penalized for this avoidable cheap shot.
Fans Speculate On Punishment Ryan Reaves Will Get
Three to five games seem to be the prevailing opinion on X/Twitter.
With respect to Reaves transgression on Nurse. Could be suspended for multiple infractions on same play:
* Charging
* Head principle point of contact/Picking the head
* Deliberate intent to injure
Darnell paid an unnecessary price.
Reaves needs to pay a necessary price.— Craig Button (@CraigJButton) November 17, 2024
Some fans believe the penalty should be contingent upon the severity of Nurse’s condition.
Ryan Reaves Has A Reputation
Other fans say that Reaves’ history may be the reason for a more substantial penalty.
Reaves is known for being physical and has been suspended for hits before.
Suspension worthy hit by Ryan Reaves, who is assessed a five minute major and a game misconduct for an illegal check to the head of Tyler Motte. pic.twitter.com/PnBtLMlx3t
— NHL Review (@nhl_review) September 5, 2020
This hit on Tyler Motte got him a one-game suspension.
There was no penalty for this hit from Reaves when he played for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Reaves levels Hronek with a massive hit. Replay shows that Hronek’s head was the principle point of contact. Hronek & Reaves had been tangled up earlier in the shift.
Hronek injured. No penalty to Reaves. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/hzlfgl8eyD
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) December 15, 2022
Fans Point Out Darnell Nurse’s Error
Some fans noted that Nurse had his head down. They say that is a tactical error that makes him more vulnerable.
Exactly Nurse doesn’t see him coming … because Nurse is looking at the puck while behind the net
If Nurse just picks his head up even for a quick glance
He sees the hit coming
And all of this is avoided— Steven M (@StevenMToga) November 17, 2024
