Paul Maurice gives quote of the year when asked about officiating after $25,000 fine
Last week's divisional matchup between the Leafs and the Florida Panthers was an absolute gong show. The Leafs thoroughly outplayed the Panthers but wound up trailing after the first period. Matt Murray gave up 4 goals on 8 shots before being pulled. There were penalties galore, a buzzer beating goal that required a review, a penalty shot and a comeback overtime win for the Leafs. What more could we have asked for? Well, competent officiating for one.
Both Sheldon Keefe and Panthers coach Paul Maurice were livid with the refs at different points. Maurice went completely off the rails, screaming his head off at referee Francois St Laurent, whom he has had clashes with in the past. After the game, Maurice called out the officiating, claiming the officials had an anti-Panthers bias and bringing up his history with St Laurent. Maurice was fined $25,000 for his conduct on the bench and his comments post game.
Tonight, Maurice was once again in a disagreement with officials over a penalty call. Maurice knew better than to comment to the media after being fined. Asked about a 10 minute misconduct handed to Brandon Montour, the former Leafs head coach gave us an absolutely fantastic quote that hopefully won't see him handed another one.
- Paul Maurice
Say what you will about Maurice as a head coach, there are few in the game with a better, or dryer, sense of humour.
