Insiders Dissect Claude Giroux's Dissatisfaction Over Ridly Greig's Actions
Photo credit: Puckreporter
In the recent clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators, forward Ridly Greig stirred controversy by showboating a full-speed slapshot on an empty net during a breakaway.
NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek have shared insights into what Greig's teammate Claude Giroux thinks about his actions against the Leafs.
Insiders Dissect Giroux's Displeasure Over Greig's Actions
Must read on PuckReporter
When questioned about these actions, Giroux, a veteran player known for his experience and understanding of the game, was hesitant to comment extensively. Friedman and his partner Jeff Marek revealed Giroux's sentiments.
"Claude Giroux, as we all know, a veteran hockey player, been around, seen a lot of things, understands the game within the game... He was really reluctant to comment much on this at all. I came away from watching that on Saturday night and saying I don't think that Claude Giroux was cool at all with what Ridly Greig did. He wasn't cool with what
Morgan Rielly did afterwards. Maybe he understood it from an old-school point of view, but he didn't want to bury a teammate. To me, that was one of the most compelling things I've seen on hockey TV all season long." - Marek on Giroux's comments on Saturday night
According to Marek, Giroux seemed uncomfortable with Greig's actions and Morgan Rielly's subsequent response. While Giroux perhaps comprehended the situation from a traditional perspective, he opted not to criticize his teammate outright. Marek found Giroux's stance particularly noteworthy, suggesting it was one of the most compelling moments on hockey TV this season.
Friedman speculated on Giroux's reaction, drawing comparisons to former Flyers leader Chris Pronger.
"When Claude Giroux played in Philadelphia, who was their leader?.. It was Chris Pronger, and if that had happened and Chris Pronger was on the ice, what do you think Pronger would have done? Never mind an in-person hearing, it might have been a felony if Chris Pronger had been playing.
When you talk about Giroux there, and knowing that Giroux was a Pronger disciple, he played for the Flyers.. If that happened against Philadelphia, like I said, there would be ambulances at the arena... Gritty would be led out in handcuffs if somebody did that against the Flyers.
Look - I have been a player in a game nowhere near as high-stakes as this, who has gotten angry in a tough, tough game - a really competitive game - when you feel that somebody is showboating you, right? It doesn't excuse going past the line, but I understand how it happens." - Friedman on understanding why Giroux wasn't pleased with either side
As for Morgan Rielly, regardless of the debate surrounding Greig's actions, the Maple Leafs face the prospect of losing their star defenseman as he has been summoned for an in-person hearing by the NHLPA. This could result in Rielly being sidelined for over five games. The outcome now rests on Rielly's ability to present his case for a reduced suspension.
What Is Going To Happen To Morgan Reilly?
As Seen on Maple Leafs Daily - Insider reveals why Claude Giroux was upset with teammate Ridly Greig for showboating against Leafs
Previously on PuckReporter
POLL |
12 FEVRIER | 275 ANSWERS Insiders Dissect Claude Giroux's Dissatisfaction Over Ridly Greig's Actions What is going to happen to Morgan Rielly? |
1 game suspension | 35 | 12.7 % |
2-3 game suspension | 52 | 18.9 % |
4-5 game suspension | 94 | 34.2 % |
5+ game suspension | 94 | 34.2 % |
List of polls |
Latest 10 stories