The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs are locked in an intense first-round playoff series, with the Maple Leafs currently leading 2-0. However, the buzz surrounding the series isn't just about the scoreline; it's about the escalating tension between Senators forward Ridly Greig and Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz. Following a series of physical confrontations, Greig has emerged as a controversial figure, drawing ire from Maple Leafs fans and players alike.
In Game 1, Greig made headlines by delivering a hard cross-check to Toronto's captain, John Tavares. The incident didn't end there; late in the same game, Greig collided with Stolarz, ramping up the animosity between the two teams. The physicality continued into Game 2, where Greig once again pushed the boundaries by entering the Leafs' blue paint, provoking a fierce response from Stolarz. The goaltender retaliated with multiple stick jabs and a shoulder check, actions that were met with loud cheers from the Scotiabank Arena crowd.
After the game, Greig downplayed his growing reputation as Toronto's "Public Enemy No. 1," stating, "I don’t spend too much time on social media, so I could care less to be honest. It’s certainly a lot of fun. Can’t remember the last two games. I don’t think I’ve ever had that much fun playing hockey." In his playoff debut, Greig has made an impact, scoring one goal and averaging over 17 minutes of ice time per game.
This rivalry is not new. Greig’s contentious history with the Maple Leafs began last year when he scored an empty-net goal against them, prompting a cross-check from Morgan Rielly. Now, as the series shifts to Ottawa, the stakes are higher. The Senators will be playing their first home playoff game since 2017, and the intensity is expected to ramp up.
Toronto players and staff have responded to the ongoing clash with a mix of humor and seriousness. Mitch Marner commented on the situation, saying, "I’ve seen that (behavior) in junior (hockey), too. (Stolarz) is a big man. He sticks up for himself." Head coach Craig Berube seemed unfazed by the altercations, stating, "I really don’t have a problem with it." Stolarz, who made 26 saves in Game 2, addressed the incident, claiming he was "just caught up in the heat of the battle" and didn’t even know who it was he was confronting.
The Maple Leafs' handling of the situation has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Some believe Stolarz crossed a line in his attempts to retaliate against Greig, while others argue he was justified in defending his crease, especially given the officials' apparent leniency towards Greig's earlier actions. The officials allowed Stolarz to exact some retribution before finally addressing the issue, leading to a situation where both players received penalties—Stolarz for interference and Greig for roughing.
Sid Seixeiro, a well-known sports commentator, weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the officials were aware of Greig’s earlier hit on Stolarz and were letting the goaltender get his hacks in before intervening. "I think it’s pretty obvious why the Sens didn’t get a power play here: Officials well aware that Ridly Greig tried to end Stolarz’s season with 5 minutes left in Game 1 and wasn’t even penalized," Seixeiro remarked.
As the series progresses, the rivalry between the Senators and Maple Leafs is intensifying. Greig’s style of play, which aims to disrupt Stolarz, has not gone unnoticed, and it’s clear that he has no intention of altering his approach. Stolarz, on the other hand, is not backing down either. "I’ve known ‘Stolie’ for a long time," said Marner, referring to Stolarz. "He’s a big man. He sticks up for himself. It’s good for him."
Looking ahead to Game 3, the individual battles are expected to continue. The Senators are eager to leverage the energy of their home crowd, while the Maple Leafs aim to maintain their momentum. The intensity of the rivalry is palpable, and it remains to be seen how the officials will manage the escalating tensions on the ice.
Following the video of their confrontation circulating on social media, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic suggested that Stolarz should face suspension for his actions, particularly for the slash to Greig's leg, calling it "bulls***." This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among Leafs fans, who feel their team has been unfairly criticized for finally standing up for themselves after years of being labeled as soft.
As the series heads into Ottawa, the spotlight will be on how both Greig and Stolarz handle the pressure. With the potential for more fireworks on the ice, fans are bracing for an exhilarating showdown. Will the Senators capitalize on the home-ice advantage, or will the Maple Leafs continue their dominance? One thing is for certain: the rivalry between these teams is far from over.
As the action unfolds, all eyes will be on the ice, where every hit, every goal, and every altercation could shift the series in either direction. The playoff atmosphere is electric, and with each passing game, the stakes grow higher.
