WATCH: Bokondji Imama seeks REVENGE on Ryan Reaves after ‘Muffin Man’s thunderous hit on Juuso Valimaki

Many on social media marked Ryan Reaves and Bokondji Imama’s fight as the stalest or most boring one in NHL this 2022-23 season.

<strong>WATCH: Bokondji Imama seeks REVENGE on Ryan Reaves after ‘Muffin Man’s thunderous hit on Juuso Valimaki</strong>

Ryan Reaves vs Bokondji Imama [Image Credit: HockeyFeed]

Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Reaves accepted a brawl invitation from Arizona Coyotes forward Bokondji Imama on Sunday night. Unfortunately, the fight turned out to be one of the most boring fights in the NHL, especially in the 2022-23 season.

The reason is Reaves himself. Ryan Reaves is no stranger to a good fight, but on Sunday night, not only did the forward reject a punch, he also headlock Imama, toying with the 26-year-old. The NHL officials lingering nearby separated the two players before resuming the game. 

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Everyone present in the arena thought a spectacular fight might take place between these two heavyweights, but unfortunately, their expectations were not met. All the hyped-up energy got sucked dry as the officials intervened to stop further provocations. 

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Related: Ryan Reaves DEMOLISHES Nic Deslauriers with consecutive blows as Wilds vs Flyers match turns into boxing show for fans

Ryan Reaves smiles as officials intervene fight between ‘Muffin’ and Bokondji Imama

Ryan Reaves [Image Credit: The Hockey Beast]
Ryan Reaves [Image Credit: The Hockey Beast]

Bokondji Imama was recalled from the American Hockey League’s Tucson Roadrunners, following Christian Fischer’s leave from the team after a match against Colorado Avalanche. During Sunday night’s game,  Ryan Reaves delivered a monstrous blow to Coyotes defenceman Juuso Valimaki.

The defenceman got slammed against the boards less than 3 minutes into the game. Imama’s challenge to Reaves was mostly an answer for the blow to their defenceman. Although the fight may have been boring will Imama being in a headlock, the Coyotes snatched victory with a 5-4 record against Wilds.

The 2022-23 season will be ending in April, signaling the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. All NHL teams are fighting for wild card spots, and losses so close to season end are undoubtedly fatal. The Wilds are currently carrying a score of 38-21-8, with the Coyotes balancing 24-32-11.

Coyotes head coach, Andre Tourigny said after the game, “We needed a lot of character and it came up and it was old school hockey there”. “There were some fights, some toughness, a lot of emotion, and our guys pushed back so much. I’m really proud of them and the fact that they dug deep and got down in the game and found our way back.” 

Following the scrum between Reaves and Imama, several small bouts took place at Mullet Arena. Coyotes forward Barrett Hayton noted, “I’ve said this before and you feel the energy and you feel those swings”. 

“Those fights tonight, the energy in the building is unreal. You’ve got to give kudos to Bokes, OB, Mackey, Crouser… On a back-to-back, tough game like that, they’ll be stepping up and bringing so much energy to the group. I think that’s a big factor.” 

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