San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Reaves appeared to have suffered a left-hand injury in the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
Just 1:48 into the game, Reaves and Flyers forward Garrett Wilson dropped the gloves at center ice. Following the fight, Reaves would go to the Sharks’ bench, shaking his left hand and appearing to get work done on his pinky. The San Jose Sharks forward would go to the penalty box, but leave for the locker room before play resumed.
After some time, Reaves would return to the bench and play one more shift that lasted just 13 seconds before he went back down the tunnel and into the room. Reaves would join the team on the bench during the second period, but didn’t play a single shift. Adam Gaudette would often rotate in Reaves’ spot on the 4th line.
San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters after practice on Friday that he needs his team to bring a physical element. With the playoff push on, Reaves is viewed as the leader in that area, but the whole team needs to chip in.
“This time of year, it’s physical. You gotta fight for every inch that’s out there,” Warsofsky said. “It’s not just Reavo. We need every guy to bring that physical element.”
Although Reaves isn’t the most skilled forward, Warsofsky has complemented the veteran’s understanding of the game, calling him a 5th coach on the bench.
“He’s done a really good job on that side of it,” Warsofsky said. “How we want to play with our identity. He’s done a really good job of that all year long.”
Reaves is an emotional leader and a smart player, which could be why he’s staying with the team on the bench despite not playing.