NEW YORK (Feb. 13, 2024) Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has been suspended for five games, without pay, for cross-checking Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig during NHL Game No. 812 in Ottawa on Saturday, Feb. 10, the National Hockey Leagues Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 19:54 of the third period. Rielly was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for cross-checking.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Rielly will forfeit $195,312.50. The money goes to the Players Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/rielly-suspended-games-6346828310112.

How is this any different from Perron's 6? Oh yeah, Rielly is from Toronto. 

5 is what I expected, wasn't even thinking about Perron's

Perron did what he did while his teammate was lying motionless and catatonic on the ice following a careless headshot by the opponent.  As bad as it was, (Perron did deserve punishment), I fail to see how that is worse than Reilly cross checking a guy in the face over a childish slight.  

Perrons act came with a ton of mitigating factors for his behavior.  Reillys rationale barely deserves serious contemplation.  

Thus another chapter in the NHLs total nonsense approach to player safety finds it way to the publisher.  What a sham for Perron to receive harsher punishment than Reilly.  

Rielly appealing the suspension, Bettman will be hearing it.