Ice hockey is known for its intense physicality, and fights on the rink are a common sight. While the battles involving the puck and stick are fierce, players often resort to settling their disputes with their fists. However, some clashes turn brutal, as was the case during a matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
These two Canadian teams share a long-standing rivalry, and their matchups often result in physical altercations. As they prepare to face off at Rogers Place, fans may recall a previous encounter that left a lasting impact—when Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse was on the receiving end of a devastating hit from Leafs winger Ryan Reaves.
The incident occurred on November 16, 2024, during a game at Scotiabank Arena. By the third period, the Oilers were leading 2-1. With over seventeen minutes left, Nurse had possession of the puck when Reaves charged in at full speed, delivering a powerful shoulder hit to Nurse’s visor. The impact sent Nurse crashing to the ice, leaving the crowd in shock.
Officials immediately stopped the game as Nurse lay motionless on the ice. Blood was visible, and concern for his condition spread throughout the arena. He was helped off the rink and taken to the locker room, later being ruled out for four games due to a concussion.
As for Reaves, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety issued him a five-game suspension for making direct contact with Nurse’s head, a move that is strictly prohibited. Following the game, Reaves personally apologized to Nurse in the Oilers’ locker room, though Nurse later stated that it was “pretty obvious” Reaves had intended to inflict pain with the hit.
The incident affected Reaves’ reputation, with some labeling him as an overly aggressive enforcer on the ice. However, this wasn’t the first time he and Nurse had clashed.
Back in the 2017-18 season, while Reaves was with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he and Nurse engaged in a full-fledged brawl during a game against the Oilers. Both players dropped their gloves, gripping each other’s jerseys as they exchanged heavy punches. Though Nurse initially held his own, Reaves eventually landed several blows that knocked Nurse’s helmet off, forcing the Oilers’ defenseman to concede the fight.
With the Oilers and Maple Leafs set to face off again, fans might have anticipated another heated rematch between the two. However, Reaves is expected to be a healthy scratch for the game, meaning their rivalry may have to wait for another opportunity to reignite.