Greg WisinskiESPN2 minute read
Chicago Blackhawks manager Luke Richardson said Thursday that winger Corey Perry successfully “neutralized” Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves during a game this week. This comes a day after Reeves questioned Perry’s toughness.
On Monday, the Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 4-1, with Perry scoring the eventual game-winning goal in the second period. Reaves and Perry initiated a scrum in the first period, but neither player was penalized. Later, the two were caught on camera locking their jaws on a bench.
Asked about Perry on Wednesday, Reeves said he hasn’t liked the 19-year NHL veteran since the day he met Perry on the ice.
“To be honest, I didn’t really like him. We always seem to bump into each other when we play, but I didn’t have a lot of love for that guy,” Reeves said. “Just the way his mouth moves. He acts tough in a way, but he’s not tough.”
Prior to Thursday’s game against the Blackhawks at the Colorado Avalanche, Richardson praised Perry’s influence on his younger teammates, especially his treatment of Reaves.
“One of the biggest things Corey did the other day was neutralize Ryan Reeves,” Richardson said.
”[Perry] I was yelling at him from the bench. He said he lost his last two games. [Reaves] “What are you going to do?” I asked him. you’re scared of me ” Cory says, “She’s never been scared a day in her life.” I want young guys to hear that and see him go out there and wrestle. [Reaves] Who can be more effective when they step on the ice and score the game-clinching goal? ”
Richardson said the biggest lesson Perry taught the young Blackhawks (who have 18-year-old phenom Connor Bedard on the roster) was that there was a time and place for extracurricular activities on the ice. Told.
“You have to know when to get excited and get into the game with the other players on the opposing team and when to use your emotions when you have a chance to do something special in the game. I think there is,” he said. Referring to Perry’s match winner.
The teams will meet again on November 24th in Chicago.
