Auston Matthews’ shocking move against Ridly Greig sparks playoff debate

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 22, 2025, 01:51 IST

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Auston Matthews breaking Ridly Greig's stick in Game 1 of the 2025 NHL Playoffs has become a hot issue. NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman commented, stating he wasn't surprised because Ridly Greig has a reputation as a troublemaker. The incident is just an example of how emotional and passionate playoff hockey can get. Although it won't lead to any league action, it's certainly one of the moments fans won't soon forget.

Auston Matthews’ shocking move against Ridly Greig sparks playoff debate

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At the 2025 NHL Playoffs, a shocking incident took fans by surprise, Auston Matthews snapped Ridly Greig's stick in Game 1 between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The incident soon went viral, and fans started discussing it across hockey fan bases. Sports commentator Elliotte Friedman later reacted to the incident, and it put more fuel to the already hot playoff environment.

Auston Matthews’ shocking move against Ridly Greig fuels heated playoff conversation

Tensions were already on edge during Game 1 of the 2025 NHL Playoff series when stirrer Ridly Greig encroached upon the Maple Leafs' bench too closely. For some reason, Ridly Greig's stick landed too close to Auston Matthews, who grasped it and split it in half before disposing of it.
This move quickly generated responses from fans. Elliotte Friedman, one of the NHL's most recognized insiders, didn't appear surprised. Discussing on his hit podcast 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman described how Ridly Greig is the type of player who rubs people the wrong way, and this play was just a manifestation of that.

Elliott Friedman commented, "Ridly Greig gets the opposition furious. You love him or you hate him based on which team you're a fan of." He likened the incident to earlier occurrences where players lost their composure due to Ridly Greig's on-ice conduct.

Ridly Greig’s controversial style fuels tension in the playoffs

Ridly Greig's playing style has made him a focal point of the playoffs, not only due to his ability but also because he can infuriate. It is not the first time that he has found himself in this kind of controversy. He had faced a major hit from Morgan Rielly early in the season, which had even resulted in Rielly getting suspended.
Elliott Friedman commented that although Austin Matthews breaking the stick did not result in a penalty or suspension, it does reflect how emotionally tense these games have become particularly when a player like Ridly Greig is involved. "It's part of playoff culture," Friedman continued. "These little things create tension."
Fans are divided. Some think Austin Matthews needs to be fined or warned, at least, while others simply view it as another intense playoff moment.
Also Read: Auston Matthews' Close Call With Injury Sparks Outrage As Cutter Gauthier's Skate Comes Dangerously Close

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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