Ryan Reaves scrum assault pales in comparison to what Tom Wilson did to the Rangers

new york rangers 2021
May 3, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals takes a roughing penalty during the second period against Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Reaves has a hearing today with the NHL Department of Player Safety for his actions in the third period in Game 1 of the Golden Knights series against the Avalanche. That’s when he took “justice” into his own hands in front of the Colorado net.

A scrum broke out in front between Reaves and Ryan Graves. The 34 year-old enforcer first punched goalie Phillip Grubauer in the back of the head before forcefully throwing down Graves and causing an injury. This was believed to be retribution for Graves’ earlier hit that injured Mattias Janmark.

Seems familiar?

Ryan Reaves scrum assault minor compared to what Tom Wilson did

When it was all said and done, Reaves was ejected and received 19 minutes in penalties on the play. “Reaves, he’s on a mission to go out there and hurt someone in the third,” Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog said. “That’s exactly what he does.”

The match penalty the referees assessed Reaves in the game meant he was automatically suspended. How many games will be determined. soon.

However, when you compare what Reaves did to what Tom Wilson was able to get away with… well it’s mind-boggling.

First let’s look at Reaves’ incident.

And now, here’s Tom Wilson going absolutely haywire with reckless abandon.

Rangers fined 50 times more than Tom Wilson

tom wilson injures artemi panarin
Bruce Bennett/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports

After Wilson sucker punched Pavel Buchnevich, he rightfully was pulled away by Ryan Strome. Wilson then proceed to beat on Strome before Artemi Panarin went in to help. That’s when Wilson went full MMA and rag dolled a much smaller and helmet-less opponent to the ice. If that wasn’t enough, he slammed him down again.

Panarin would miss the remainder of the season while Wilson was assessed a double minor and a game misconduct. I apologize, I almost forgot he was fined $5,000 for punching Buchnevich. That’s it. Nothing for what he did to Panarin.

The Rangers, rightfully angry put forth a statement calling George Parros the head of the NHL’s Department of Player Safety “unfit”. That caused the NHL to get real serious about discipline and fine the Rangers 50 times more than what Wilson received. A Twitter statement cost the Blueshirts, $250,000.

“Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were personal in nature and demeaning of a League executive will not be tolerated,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “While we don’t expect our Clubs to agree with every decision rendered by the Department of Player Safety, the extent to which the Rangers expressed their disagreement was unacceptable. It is terribly unfair to question George Parros’ professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety.”

Sorry for the booboo words.

At least the referees and the NHL will get this situation with Ryan Reaves right. Maybe, the Avalanche can send the Blueshirts a thank you note when this is all over.

Evander Kane gives NHL a hilarious alternative to suspending Ryan Reaves

Evander Kane is no fan of Ryan Reaves and he dropped a funny alternative for the NHL today.

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

Mentioned in this article:

More About: