WATCH: Panthers coach Paul Maurice RIPS NHL official for “inordinate” penalty calls following loss to Leafs

<strong>WATCH: Panthers coach Paul Maurice RIPS NHL official for “inordinate” penalty calls following loss to Leafs</strong>

Paul Maurice [Image Credit: Miami Herald]

In a recent report, it was noted that Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice was fined $25k following his comments during and in a post-game interview regarding NHL officials. Following the team’s loss to Toronto Maple Leafs, a frustrated Maurice appeared to shout at officials, questioning “what the hell” they are doing.

The Leafs won the game 5-4 with the Panthers carrying a 21-20-5 record, as the Leafs recorded 27-11-7 as of now in the 2022-23 season. Maurice attributed that his team’s OT loss not to the players but to his personal beef with one of the officials on the ice. 

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In 2016 when Maurice coached the Winnipeg Jets a certain referee got involved in a head-hit incident, leading to the coach joining in a war of words. At that time Jets center, Bryan Little fell victim to a head hit incident to which referee Francois St-Laurent called no penalty. On the other hand, Maurice was charged $5k for indiscriminate comments.

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Paul Maurice doesn’t shy away from voicing out his opinion on NHL officials

Paul Maurice [Image Credit: Miami Herald]
Paul Maurice [Image Credit: Miami Herald]

Panthers coach Paul Maurice believes it to be a personal grudge, as both official St-Laurent and Pierre Lambert were present on the ice during Tuesday’s game. Maurice commented after the game, “I just explained to them, it had nothing to do with my players; it had to do with me and a relationship that I have with one of the referees.”

“That’s what that was all about. So, just go out, keep your mouth shut, and play the game.” He felt that what his team went through the night and the questionable calls made were due to their personal feelings. He rather praised his players for hanging in there despite those calls.

“I’m proud of our guys here tonight. Like, they flew us out to the West Coast, flew us back, flew us home, flew us up here and back-to-back us, and then they threw those two guys at us. I think we hung in there pretty good. I’m proud of our group,” he said. 

The Leafs had 7 power plays whereas the Panthers got only 3. The huge difference must have frustrated the players, but Maurice was the one who felt the worst. It’s quite clear how much unjust he thought those calls were. The fine will be forwarded to the NHL foundation.

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