It’s time for Ryan Reaves to step into the role he was signed for

Sometimes, a response doesn’t have to be physical. At least that’s what Chris Kreider expressed after the New York Rangers 5-3 road victory against Columbus on Saturday.

A lot transpires between 36 adrenaline-bolstered men wagering war against one another every night; some altercations are visible to us, while others are not. In the last several games, the Rangers have endured several violations that say: it was time to be visible.

The onus to execute such a response falls onto no one heavier than it does on Ryan Reaves. The notorious 6’1’’ enforcer was brought to New York—and extended—for no other reason than to keep enemy threats in line.

Alas, Reaves engaged in his first fight of the season against 6’1” Montreal rookie Michael Pezzetta following the Canadiens’ game-tying goal in the second period.

Reaves reinforced his fierce reputation by making mince meat of his counterpart and skating away with a battle cry energetic enough to power the Garden. This game was Reaves’ moment to address the elephant in the room given recent events.

With Sammy Blais out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury via the P.K. Subban slew foot special on Sunday, Reaves’ quietness became conspicuous. This especially so considering Reaves fell victim to the same play from Subban in the preseason and suffered a day-to-day injury.

For all the hype that didn’t live up to the Wilson-Reaves encounter on opening night, the empty fulfillment of expectations after the Blais injury from Subban was greater—especially given Reaves’ hint at retaliation after his own injury.

“Uhh, not really, no,” the bruiser said in reference to whether Subban’s skate sweep was clean or not. “But I guess the league did, so we move on. We play them a lot.”

Of course, Reaves’ specialties would have also been useful in some goaltender infractions—namely last week’s Florida game featuring Igor Shesterkin getting pummeled by an opposing player driving the net. Then fast forwarding to Saturday and Shesterkin faces another collision courtesy of Alexandre Texier—radio silence from the almighty enforcer on both incidents.

The collision may not have been completely Texier’s fault as Patrik Nemeth was responsible for pushing him. However, Shesterkin was greeted by medical trainers and there comes a point where a message must be sent for the opposition to steer clear of the goaltender—especially one playing on Shesterkin’s level. That is a message no better suited to be delivered by the Ryan Reaves mail truck.

The Rangers looked as tough as ever in seizing a gritty 3-2 game away from Montreal and Reaves’ fight opened the door to Chris Kreider’s go-ahead goal. In order to sustain their status in the NHL standings, this must continue. They cannot afford to get pushed around into more injuries; this depth chart won’t support it.

With Blais now gone—and one less key player from Chris Drury’s ‘bulkified’ off-season additions in the mix—it is imperative that Reaves stays outside of his cave. It’s the type of response needed.