Even though it's only Nick Ritchie's first season out of the NHL, many will remember him as a tough 3rd or 4th liner who wasn't afraid to drop the gloves. That toughness though is what may be his downfall. He is now facing some severe punishments for taking cheapshots on his opponent during a Finnish Elite League game.
Ritchie clearly lets the anger get the best of him in the sequence, as there is no justification for throwing the punches at the unsuspecting opponent, and hitting him while he is down is the cherry on top of the cheap shot pie.
The play is not helping Ritchie's odds of making a return to the NHL any better, as this behaviour wouldn't be tolerated by an NHL team. Ritchie played for several teams in the NHL before heading to Finland, including the Bruins, Leafs, Ducks, Coyotes, and Flames.
Through 10 games in Finland, Ritchie has recorded 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points. If he ever wants to return to the NHL, a tall order, he needs to get ahold of his anger. He was released from his PTO with the St. Louis Blues this season before going to Finland to continue playing.
