Ryan Reaves delvers brutal open-ice hit on Detroit Red Wings’ Filip Hronek with defenceman injured
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Clean shot or career-threatening madness? Social media is divided over Ryan Reaves’ brutal blow on open ice on Detroit Red Wings’ Filip Hronek, with defenseman’s night ending in injury, but no call!
- Ryan Reaves removed Filip Hronek after a hard hit in the first period
- Minnesota Wild’s bruiser sent Hronek crashing to the ice as the crowd gasped
- The Czech did not return to the game, as Reaves continued to prevail
- Twitter had contrasting views on whether it was fair or unacceptable control.
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Minnesota Wild’s Ryan Reaves sent Filip Hronek into another dimension Wednesday night with a brutal jab on his Detroit opponent.
Known for his smashing mouth game, Reaves added another collector’s item to his showreel, pulverizing an unsuspecting Hronek in the first period with the scores tied at 0-0.
The Red Wings defenseman was carrying the puck into the neutral zone before Reaves landed the heavy blow.
There was an audible gasp around the Xcel Energy Center as Hronek hit the ice truthfully.
Minnesota Wild’s Ryan Reaves sent Filip Hronek to another dimension on Wednesday night
Twitter remained divided on whether it was foul play or whether the victim, Hronek, should have shown more awareness.
Former Red Wings champion Darren McCarty tweeted in support of the hit, but criticized an inconsistent approach to head-high contact by the NHL, implying that it should not go without penalty under current NHL adjudication.
‘Clean blow in my day. Reaves does nothing but work for him and destroys Hronek. Being a smaller player and leaning forward in the middle of the ice makes you a [target].
‘That is Clean and Accepted. In 1995 my problem is with @NHL because they told me they care about headshots.
Former NHL players and commentators disagreed as to whether the hit was in fact fair action.
Hockey writer Jeff Veillette had a contrasting perspective, surprised by observers who felt it was fair game.
“Surprised by the number of ‘perfect clean hit’ responses here, I know some people are desperate to protect an earlier era of hockey, but Reaves runs right through Hronek’s face here,” Veillette wrote.
“If you can’t admit this isn’t safe, then you’re looking for bloodlust, not the game.”
Reaves also put the woodwork on Red Wing defenseman Ben Chiarot before they threw punches.
Hronek left the ice after the incident and did not return to the match. The check was not called for a penalty with Reaves fit to play.
He continued to deal more damage throughout the game, laying the wood on Ben Chiarot before the pair landed hits.
The Minnesota Wild won their third straight game when they beat Detroit 4-1.
Fans also took issue on whether Reaves should have faced punishment for exposing Hronek.