“We obviously didn’t like the result on the empty netter,” Toronto captain John Tavares said. “So, we’re going to stick together and stand our ground when necessary.”
Typically, with empty-net goals, which indicate that the game has been decided, the scoring team merely pushes the puck into the net or attempts a wrist shot to avoid embarrassing the losing team. They rarely land a slap shot, especially thus close to the crease.
“I thought it was appropriate,” Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said after the game, when asked about Rielly’s choice. “I’m sure [the league] will look at it, yeah.”
Keefe sent out enforcer Ryan Reaves for the final faceoff, but officials immediately intervened to avert a confrontation.
“He was reacting to a play,” Keefe explained of Rielly. “Their player has the right to do whatever he wants in that situation. Our athletes have the right to react. “And it’s the emotions of the game.”
Jacques Martin, Ottawa’s coach, saw the situation differently.
“He put the puck in the net,” he claimed of Greig. “Whether he shoots it or pushes it, [Rielly’s reaction], that shouldn’t happen.”
It was an emotional night in Canada’s capital, with Shane Pinto scoring a goal and providing two assists for the home team. Claude Giroux, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Josh Norris also scored for Ottawa in its return from a 10-day hiatus. Joonas Korpisalo made 31 saves for the Senators before Greig sealed the victory.
“You never really know what Greiger’s going to do,” he remarked. “I mean, I enjoy it, but I’m sure, clearly, if we were on the other side, we wouldn’t like it as much. I didn’t enjoy the retribution, but I understand their aggravation; it’s done now, and I suppose it was interesting.
Auston Matthews scored his 42nd goal for Toronto, giving him the NHL lead. Matthew Knies and Max Domi also scored, and Martin Jones made 27 saves.
The Senators have won three in a row.
“It was really good,” Martin stated about his team’s first game back. “I really liked the way our players responded and to me that was very satisfying.”
