The game of hockey moves really fast, and that leads to some unfortunate injuries sometimes. That’s what happened on Wednesday night when New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban and New York Rangers forward Ryan Reaves came together in the corner. The interaction ended with Reaves’ legs bending very awkwardly, and it looks like the injury could be significant.
Rangers players spent the rest of the period harassing Subban for his role in the incident. He was the player who caused Reaves to fall, but was it dirty? The question here is whether it was a slew foot or not. You be the judge.
Ryan Reaves injured in preseason after getting tangled with PK Subban pic.twitter.com/YLvhgrUmqY
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) October 6, 2021
It’s definitely close. Rangers fans absolutely think it was a slew foot. Devils fans are going to argue to the high heavens it was a simple accident. It was a bang-bang play that looks much worse in slow motion. Did Subban lift his leg in order to trip Reaves, a player known for big hits and possible injuries? Was Subban taking a shot, or was it just instinct as he went after the puck?
Slew footing is clearing in the rule book. NHL Rule 52.2 says that any player guilty of this type of play will receive a match penalty (which means he is thrown out of the game). Subban wasn’t even assessed a minor penalty on the play.
The last time a player was suspended for a slew footing violation was when Brad Marchand tripped up Derrick Brassard back in 2015. That’s a long time ago, and it’s very unlikely that Subban will face suspension for this move. He will, however, likely at least hear from the league. A small fine is possible. However, this won’t impact Subban’s status for opening night.
Where it will impact things is the Rangers-Devils rivalry. Expect Subban to have to pay for his “crimes”. Rangers players will go after him until he fights someone, and it might not even end there. Should make for a fun season of distractions during the Hudson River Rivalry.