Don Cherry takes a run at Darnell Nurse over wicked Reaves hit…….
Hockey legend and commentator Don Cherry has taken aim at Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse following his controversial hit on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves. The incident, which occurred during a heated game, has sparked debate among fans, players, and analysts alike, with Cherry adding fuel to the fire through his blunt remarks.
The Hit That Sparked the Controversy
The play in question saw Nurse deliver a punishing hit on Reaves, who is known for his physicality and tough play. While the hit was deemed legal by officials on the ice, it left Reaves shaken and prompted immediate retaliation from Maple Leafs players. The hit has since been replayed and dissected across sports media, with opinions divided on its intent and impact.
Cherry’s Take
Don Cherry, never one to shy away from controversy, weighed in during his latest appearance on his platform. “That was a wicked, unnecessary hit,” Cherry said, calling out Nurse for what he perceived as an over-the-top play. “Reaves is tough, we all know that, but there’s a difference between playing hard and playing reckless. Nurse crossed the line.”
Cherry also criticized the Oilers’ coaching staff for not reining in their star defenseman. “You’ve got to control your players. This isn’t the 1970s—there’s no room for that kind of stuff anymore.”
Mixed Reactions
Cherry’s comments have drawn mixed reactions from the hockey community. Some fans and analysts agree with his assessment, suggesting Nurse’s hit was excessive and risked unnecessary injury. Others, however, have defended Nurse, arguing that the physical nature of hockey makes such incidents inevitable.
Edmonton fans have rallied behind Nurse, with many applauding his aggressive play and willingness to stand his ground against a player like Reaves, who is known for his own hard-hitting style.
Nurse’s Response
When asked about the hit, Nurse defended his actions, stating, “It’s a physical game, and I’m always going to play hard. There was no intent to injure—just doing my job out there.” Reaves, for his part, has yet to publicly comment on the incident but returned to the game after a brief stint on the bench.
Looking Ahead
The Oilers and Maple Leafs are set to face off again later this season, and the lingering tension from this incident is sure to add fuel to their rivalry. Whether or not Cherry’s critique will impact Nurse’s style of play remains to be seen, but the veteran commentator has once again proven his ability to ignite debate within the hockey world.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this hit, and Cherry’s fiery critique, will remain a talking point for fans and analysts in the weeks to come.
