Winnipeg Jets Defenceman Brandon Tanev is in hot-water after his five-minute major on Ryan O’Reilly.
O'Reilly is smashed into the boards by Tanev, No. 90 is bleeding so it's a five-minute major. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/3SPgRJHjXy
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) October 23, 2018
Tanev caught O’Reilly from behind, resulting in an ejection alongside the five-minute penalty.
[arve url=”https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/button-on-tanev-s-hit-on-o-reilly-it-s-dangerous-and-it-s-really-unnecessary~1520841?fbclid=IwAR36W2mPQMVwI_6qOvSaMVq1dh9jk3z9RZUZ-KEZoWnD4ehHTEJVRPaE07g/button-calls-tanev-s-hit-on-o-reilly-dangerous-reckless-and-unnecessary~1520841″ /]
TSN analyst Craig Button called Tanev’s hit on O’Reilly “dangerous, reckless and unnecessary.” Button also added that the hit deserves at least a one-game suspension.
Tanev has been involved in a play like this before, where Tanev knocked Colton Sissons from behind.
Fans are debating whether or not the check on O’Reilly was clean or dirty. It’s clear that the hit was to the numbers, but fans are indicating that O’Reilly turned his back to Tanev, thus putting himself in a vulnerable position.
Brandon Tanev has been sent off after a long hit from behind. 5 and the game for a play it looked like Tanev instantly regretted.
Not a vicious check but O'Reilly's back was turned for a long time before Tanev hit him.
— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) October 23, 2018
No it was O’Reillys fault
— carter (@priderman13) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/mdonald75/status/1054545836326174721
Was the penalty handed out during the game enough of a punishment for Tanev?
As of now, it is unknown if the NHL will take a look at the hit. No message has been sent on social media by the NHL Player Safety account on Twitter.
O’Reilly finished the game with 3 points as the Blues defeated the Jets in overtime, 5-4.
