In a shocking Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, Jennifer Botterill and Kevin Bieksa ignited a firestorm with their divisive opinions on Morgan Rielly’s cross-check on Ridly Greig. Rielly’s high cross-check, squarely aimed at Greig’s neck and face, has left fans divided.
Bieksa surprisingly supported Rielly’s actions, commending his emotional display and defense of his teammate. He stated,
“I appreciate the intent. The way the game unfolded, Greig’s move seemed unnecessary. Maple Leafs fans have often longed for more emotion from Rielly, Marner, and Nylander. This was their chance. Although the cross-check was high and targeted the head, similar to David Perron’s incident resulting in a six-game suspension, I admire Rielly’s desire to stand up for what he believes is fair. However, we must strive to avoid headshots with cross-checks. Jen?”
Jennifer Botterill responded, expressing her disapproval of Greig’s actions, stating,
“Well, right. I mean, I do feel like that’s a classless move by Greig at that stage of the game. I feel like that was completely unnecessary. I didn’t like that at all. I do like Rielly going over there, whether it’s for a hit and it just. Unfortunately he needed to control his stick more because it ends up going right to the head, which is then dangerous.”
Does Morgan Rielly deserve a suspension for the play at the end of the game? 🤔
The Hockey Night in Canada panel discuss. pic.twitter.com/yzg1HkfkXp
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 11, 2024
Fans Reactions
Fans wasted no time reacting to Botterill’s remarks, with one outraged fan exclaiming,
“The Maple Leafs bias here is unbelievable! Reilly’s actions were utterly classless and have no place in the game. It’s disgraceful, regardless of the teams involved. This is not what we want to see in hockey.”
The Maple Leaf bias here is unbelievable. What Reilly did was absolutely classless and needs to be out of the game. I don’t care for either team. You hate to see this in hockey.
— symphorik (@symphorik) February 11, 2024
Another fan criticized the panel’s commentary, suggesting,
“The panel’s response reveals more about their biases than it does about the actual play itself.”
This says so much more about the panel than it does the play
— Locked On Senators (@SensCentral) February 11, 2024
After the coaches comments not only does Riley deserve a long suspension but the coach should be fined or suspended too
— Nick Elliott (@NickTBLFan) February 11, 2024
The panel reaction is shameful. Completely, shameful.
— Guido (@GoOnwithGuido) February 11, 2024
Didn’t Jennifer Botterill slam Jamal Mayers a few weeks back for this kind of action, now she’s saying she likes that Rielly went over there? Pick a side
— Nick Gratton (@thenickgratton) February 11, 2024
Jennifer Botterill Takes Aim at Jamal Myers’ Defense of Ryan Hartman’s High-Sticking Incident
Jennifer Botterill, former Canadian hockey women’s star and analyst, didn’t hold back as she criticized Sportsnet analyst Jamal Myers for defending Ryan Hartman in the wake of the high-sticking incident involving Cole Perfetti. The incident occurred following a play that left the Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov injured, resulting in cross-checks from the Winnipeg Jets’ Brendan Dillon. Myers justified Hartman’s actions, asserting,
“To me, Ryan Hartman is sending a message that you’re not going after our star player. It’s about defending oneself without resorting to fighting.”
Botterill vehemently disagreed, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and raising concerns about the message being sent to young, talented players. She expressed her worry about promoting aggression, stating,
“Your skilled players shouldn’t have to fear for their safety, regardless of whether they’re up-and-coming or established. Beware, because this could happen to you at any moment.”
Following the incident, the NHL fined Hartman $4,427.08, the maximum penalty allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
The dressing room was the place to be on tonight’s panel. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/zqpfHg3xdH
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 4, 2024
Editors Value
This contentious broadcast has left fans divided, highlighting the differing perspectives within the hockey community. The clash between Botterill and Bieksa has sparked intense debate, shedding light on the broader issues of player safety, sportsmanship, and bias in the sport.
As the controversy rages on, it remains to be seen how the league, players, and fans will address these contentious topics and work towards a safer and fairer future for the game we all love.
