Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Ryan Reaves gets ejected after laying a high hit on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
A highly anticipated matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers was stopped for a brief moment after a high hit delivered by Toronto's Ryan Reaves.
Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse circled his net, looking for a breakout option. Nurse had his head down as he approached the open ice. That's when Reaves, the renowned enforcer, threw a massive hit on the Oilers D-man.
The Leafs right winger was called for a match penalty as the contact on the hit was primarily to the head. Nurse was slow to get up and received medical attention from Edmonton's staff. In the aftermath, Nurse had some blood on his face and more on his jersey. He was helped off the ice, and it was confirmed that he would not return to action.
As for Reaves, he could face a suspension for this hit. The league must review every match penalty.
Reaves hasn't been suspended since the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche while representing the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Oilers were awarded a five-minute power play. However, Connor McDavid and company weren't able to capitalize, and the game remained 2-1 in favor of Edmonton.
Nurse is coming off a strong performance against the Nashville Predators on Thursday. He had a three-point night with two goals, including the overtime-winner.
Edmonton will hope that the damage to Nurse isn't as bad as it looks since the Oilers are currently fifth in the Pacific Division. They had a 9-7-1 record heading into this Saturday night tilt with the Maple Leafs.
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