NHL Department of Player Safety to Review Conduct of Ridly Greig Following Game 4 Incident
Introduction
The NHL Department of Player Safety has scheduled a hearing for Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig following a physical altercation during Game 4 of the playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 25, 2026.
Main Body
The incident occurred during the second period of the match, characterized by a series of physical confrontations. Initial tensions were noted when Greig collided with Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen. Subsequently, during a scrum involving multiple players, Carolina defenseman Sean Walker was restrained in a headlock by Senators player Warren Foegele. While Walker was immobilized, Greig delivered an uppercut strike to Walker's chin. Despite the nature of the contact, no penalty was assessed to Greig for the specific strike, although the sequence resulted in three minor penalties, two of which were issued to Carolina's Nic Deslauriers. This lack of immediate on-ice discipline has shifted the matter to the league's disciplinary body. Greig's disciplinary history includes a 2021 suspension involving cross-checking, which resulted in the loss of one preseason and one regular-season game. From an analytical perspective, the potential for a suspension is high given the circumstances of the strike. However, because the Senators were defeated 4-2 and eliminated from the postseason, any mandated suspension would be deferred to the commencement of the following season. The Carolina Hurricanes have advanced to face the victor of the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins series.
Conclusion
The Ottawa Senators have been eliminated from the playoffs, and Ridly Greig awaits a formal hearing to determine the disciplinary consequences of his actions toward Sean Walker.