NHL Department of Player Safety Urged to Review Dangerous Crosscheck to John Tavares' Head

Leafs fans have expressed their anger as a cross-checking major penalty assessed to Ridly Greig was reduced upon further review.

The play happened six minutes into the second period as the two were battling for the puck, with Tavares making his way to battle for posession against Greig.

Greig, who got his stick up on the face of Tavares, was originally assessed a five-minute major, but was later overturned to a minor penalty instead.

Leafs supporters have expressed their anger at the fact that the play was only assessed a two-minute minor, with some even saying the play warranted a suspension.

Some Ottawa fans and journalists felt that Greig's actions weren't wise for the moment, down 3-1 against a high scoring Toronto.

What may have been a major penalty in the regular season appears to be a playoff minor, not uncommon for some whistles to be swallowed as the stakes heighten to allow for more physical play, much to the chagrin of the opposing fans.

Greig, who has been a major agitator in the league and embracing the role, he has been especially a sore spot amongst Leafs fans for his in-game actions, including his famous slap shot at an empty net in which he received retaliation from Morgan Rielly with a blow to the head.

It was also noted that Morgan Rielly had a five-game suspension for the hit on Greig.

Luckily for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team capitalized on the power play with a goal from William Nylander, a 5-on-3 as Adam Gaudette later joined Greig in the penalty box.

The provincial rivals Ottawa and Toronto already in game one are trading barbs in what looks to be an intense and physical series between two heavy hitting teams serious about making the next round.