NHL's Department of Player Safety stated that Reaves delivered a high check to Nurse’s head that was both illegal and avoidable, leading to a five-game suspension.
The analysis highlighted that while Nurse was playing the puck, he did not change his position enough to warrant such significant head contact, thereby confirming the suspension.
Reaves' history of three prior suspensions weighed heavily in the decision, coupled with the injury caused to Nurse from the incident, which was described as significant.
Following the incident, Nurse was visibly bloodied and required assistance from team staff, indicating the severity of the impact from Reaves' illegal check.
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