If we’re talking pure theatrics, entertainment, and online discourse, one of the Maple Leafs’ top moments of the 2023-24 season was undoubtedly ‘the empty net slap shot’.

This, of course, came on February 10 in a 5-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators. While the Maple Leafs had the goalie pulled down 4-3 to the Senators, forward Ridly Greig picked up the puck and took it into the Maple Leafs zone alone, firing a full-tilt slap shot at the Leafs’ empty cage. And then, all hell broke loose.

Morgan Rielly took exception to the slap shot, following Greig into the corner and cross-checking him in the face, which erupted into a scrum. Greig was fine and didn’t miss any time from the cross-check, while Rielly caught a five-game suspension. The moment seemed to give the Maple Leafs a boost as a team, winning their next seven games in a row and going 9-1-0 in their ten games following the suspension. It called into question the consistency from the NHL Department of Player Safety when it came to cross-checks (or anything, really), with Rielly’s five-game suspension coming down heavier than some other similar incidents, but ultimately, the suspension did the opposite of hurt the team, so it was eventually a moot point.

On the day of their next game against the St. Louis Blues, Blues captain Brayden Schenn joined Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill on Leafs Morning Take to discuss a variety of topics, including the story-du-jour. He wasn’t a fan of Greig’s actions and defended Rielly’s character.

“I know Mo, he’s a stand-up guy…I think he did the right thing,” Schenn said. “I don’t know if he meant to cross-check him [in the face], I think when something like that happens, you kind of go black, you’re not really trying to cross-check someone in the head and he obviously ended up on the wrong end of that one, but I think most guys in the league would have reacted the same way. I think he did the right thing, the kid goes in and takes a slap shot, I think it’s just an embarrassing moment for the superstars on the ice, there’s a guy who scored 40-plus goals in 48 games or whatever it is, and he’s taking an empty-net minus on a slap shot.”

The Senators have continued to terrorize the Maple Leafs in their meetings since then, already making for an annoying matchup whenever the two teams play, but the added drama between Greig and Rielly will continue to fuel the budding rivalry so long as both players are still with their respective teams.

Alright, hockey fans, this isn’t just a trip—it’s the Nation Vacation, and we’re heading to the Music City from March 20th to 23rd! Get ready to watch Toronto take on Nashville in their own barn, soak up the honky-tonk vibes, and make unforgettable memories with the Nation crew. Whether you’re all in for a flight package or prefer a non-flight option, we’ve got you covered. Just don’t wait—spots are limited, and this trip is going to be electric. Book your spot NOW at nationgear.ca. Let’s go, Toronto! Nashville is calling!