Ryan Reaves has already created controversy and the playoffs haven’t technically started yet.
During the second period of Vegas’s exhibition game against the Arizona Coyotes, Reaves checked Nick Schmaltz directly in the head while trying to force a turnover in the corner.
Video
Here’s another look.
YIKES.
Ryan Reaves with a high hit on Nick Schmaltz.
No call. pic.twitter.com/Fuo30eOp4E— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@TheReplayGuy) July 31, 2020
Reaves drills a leaning over Schmaltz under the helmet with his right arm and elbow, causing the Coyotes forward’s head to whiplash backward. There was no penalty called on the play.
A woozy Schmaltz would try to shake the cobwebs off on the bench, but would eventually retreat to the dressing room and not return to the game.
Of interest to Nashville, keeping an eye on this Vegas / Coyotes game. Nick Schmaltz, second most points on team behind Hall, left the game after a collision with Reaves. Arizona has also looked a bit discombobulated at times, too.
— Justin Bradford (@justinbbradford) July 31, 2020
After the game, Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet seemed to throw shade on the hit without actually sharing his opinion on it.
Rick Tocchet said the team will evaluate Nick Schmaltz tomorrow. When asked if he got a good look at the hit from Ryan Reaves, Tocchet said, "Yeah, I saw it."
— Richard Morin (@ramorin_azc) July 31, 2020
“Yep Nick, we lost Nick. We’ll evaluate tomorrow. I did see it.”-AZ coach Rick Tocchet on if he saw Reaves’ hit on Nick Schmaltz
— Jason R. Pothier (@JRPothier) July 31, 2020
It’s unclear if Reaves will receive any supplemental discipline, but if he does, I know what mask he’ll be wearing in the press box.
Screenshot courtesy of Sportsnet
