Ryan Reaves had an eventful night in the Vegas Golden Knights’ 5-3 win over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. The chatty Reaves scored a power-play goal in the first period, threw five hits, and fired three shots on goals. He did this all before getting ejected late in the second period.
Reaves was tossed after hitting Tom Wilson late and from his blindside. The Golden Knights forward was given a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct. Wilson went to the locker room and did not return with what appears to be a head injury.
After the game, Reaves spoke to the media and thought his hit was legal.
“I thought it was shoulder to shoulder and I didn’t think it was that late,” Reaves said. “He was just looking at his pass and ran into a lion in the jungle.”
Wednesday morning, Bob McKenzie reported Reaves would not be suspended for the hit.
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Was that the type of hockey you want to play, right?
That was a man’s game out there. Kind of felt like Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals last year. Two teams that carried some blood in from last year and it was fun.
What happened on the Tom Wilson hit?
He was just looking at his pass and ran into a lion in the jungle
Did you think it was ejection-worthy
No. I thought he was just looking at his pass. I thought he actually saw me. It looked like he took a peek. If he sees me, I know he’s going to try and lay me out. I’m not going to let that happen. I thought it was shoulder to shoulder and I didn’t think it was that late.
Did some of the hits, especially the one where you were knocked over, in the beginning of the game fire you up?
Yeah, I mean a little bit. I’m definitely not used [to falling over]. Yes and no. He was coming fast. He.s a big boy. That’s going to happen.
Do you think it pissed him off when you laughed at him?
Oh, I’m sure. I’m sure nobody likes being knocked over and laughed at.
What was the ref’s explanation on why they tossed you?
He just said because he was hurt it was an automatic ejection. I have never heard of that rule before but I’m not a ref.
Do you anticipate talking with DoPS?
No. I don’t think so.
More jokes. This time between Ryan Reaves and Alex Ovechkin. pic.twitter.com/cT4ClxjmIi
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 5, 2018
Prior to the hit with Wilson, you and Ovechkin had a chat. What was that about?
I think we were talking about what kind of flavored chicken he likes. I think he likes a good variety actually. He’s a variety pack type of guy.
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