NCAA women's hockey player copies controversial empty net goal
It looks like the controversial slapshot into the empty net made famous by Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig has spread to the women’s game.
During the dying seconds of an NCAA game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, Gophers forward Abbey Murphy broke loose on a breakaway and hammered the puck into a wide-open net to increase her team’s lead to 4-2.
#Gophers get one more! pic.twitter.com/epBmAKvGSQ
— Minnesota Women's Hockey (@GopherWHockey) February 24, 2024
The play is a clear nod to what Greig did to the Toronto Maple Leafs a few weeks back. In that instance, Greig took a slapshot into the open net and was immediately met with a vicious crosscheck to the face by Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly.
The NHL decided to suspend Rielly for five games for the incident.
Ridly Greig buries the empty-netter with a slapshot and Morgan Rielly takes exception 😳 pic.twitter.com/6NISK4AMSt
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 11, 2024
Fans were split on whether the response was appropriate. Some thought Rielly went overboard on an otherwise innocent play, while others thought Greig’s slapshot was a sign of disrespect and demanded some retribution.
While Murphy received a shove from one of the opponents after the goal, the aftermath was much less violent.
Fans are equally split on whether or not this kind of shot spreading into other leagues is a good or bad thing.
If you don’t like it, don’t give up EN breakaways…easy.
— JeffPV (@jpv4real) February 24, 2024
Love it. Hope more players celebrate empty net goals.
— Scott (@Banditman39) February 25, 2024
Another bush league play.
— TonyyyP (@TonyP187) February 25, 2024
This is why what Greig did is a problem for hockey. It translates to all of the other leagues, and then kids start doing it. Need to show your opponents some respect
— Sheldon (@SheldonK97) February 25, 2024
Haha yes! This is awesome!
— Josh Funk (@funkyhockey11) February 25, 2024
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This is so sick haha
— Sam Huseby (@SamHuseby) February 24, 2024
no class poor sportsmanship, coaching especially university should include fair play and sportsmanship
— William (@William249952) February 25, 2024
Regardless of what side you come out on, you have to admit that the play does a great job of sparking conversation about the unwritten rules of hockey.