Rielly gets misconduct for cross-checking Greig after empty-netter

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly was given a game misconduct in the dying seconds of Saturday’s loss to the Ottawa Senators after cross-checking Ridly Greig up high.

Rielly took exception to Greig firing a slap shot into Toronto’s empty net.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety is likely to review the play. Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron was suspended six games earlier this season for cross-checking Artem Zub in the head.

“I’m sure they’ll look at it, yeah,” Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said, per Sports Illustrated’s David Alter.

“I thought it was appropriate,” Keefe added, according to TSN’s Claire Hanna. “Our players have the right to react.”

Senators head coach Jacques Martin doesn’t believe Greig did anything wrong.

“He put the puck in the net,” he said, per Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch. “Whether he shoots it or pushes it, that shouldn’t happen.”

Rielly has never been suspended in his 11-year career with the Leafs. He entered Saturday’s contest with 42 points in 49 games while averaging 24:22 per game.

Greig’s goal sealed Ottawa’s third win in four tries against Toronto in 2023-24. The provincial rivals don’t play again this season.