Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly is making a case to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to reduce his five-game suspension for cross-checking. While the odds may be against him, the fact that Rielly's in-person hearing is taking place on Friday at the league's New York office presents a glimmer of hope. If Bettman chooses to reduce the ban, there's still time for Rielly to rejoin the Leafs lineup before serving the entirety of his suspension.

History indicates that it's rare for Bettman to adjust a suspension in favor of the aggressor since the current appeals process was implemented in 2012. However, timing can be a complicating factor. Earlier this season, Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron had already served his entire six-game cross-checking suspension when Bettman upheld it.

Typically, the commissioner takes one to three days after an appeals hearing to render a decision. In Rielly's case, he is scheduled to serve his third game on Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks and his fourth game on Monday when the Leafs visit the St. Louis Blues. The best-case scenario, according to a source involved in the process, would be for Bettman to reduce the penalty by one game, allowing Rielly to return to the lineup on Wednesday in Arizona.

Similar cases have seen suspensions reduced based on a player's track record. Former Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza received a favorable ruling from Bettman after kneeing Neal Pionk of the Winnipeg Jets in the head. Bettman cited Spezza's clean play over a 19-season career as a significant factor in reducing the punishment.

Rielly has built a strong reputation over his 11 NHL seasons and 819 games, including playoffs. He was a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy in 2018-19 and has only amassed nine cross-checking penalties throughout his career. His teammates and coach speak highly of his character and sportsmanship on the ice.

However, Rielly's cross-check to the head of Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig was deemed intentional and forceful by the Department of Player Safety. While two of the five criteria used in determining suspensions work in Rielly's favor (his track record and the lack of injury to Greig), it does not excuse the dangerous nature of the play.

The NHL's process for assessing supplementary discipline is unique to each case, making it difficult to predict the outcome of an appeal. However, Rielly, his agent J.P. Barry, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, and representatives from the NHL Players' Association have all made the trip to New York in hopes of securing a reduction in the suspension.

With the Leafs involved in a tight playoff race and Rielly forfeiting over $39,000 in pay for each missed game during the suspension, the possibility of getting one game back is seen as worthwhile. The decision now lies in the hands of Commissioner Gary Bettman, who will weigh the facts and testimony presented during the appeal hearing.

As fans await a ruling, Rielly's fate hangs in the balance, and the Maple Leafs continue to battle for a playoff spot without their star defenseman on the ice.