Paul Maurice had strong words for the Canadiens, and they backed it up with a comeback win
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Tuesday, Paul Maurice showed clear respect for the Canadiens. For quite some time now, the Florida Panthers' head coach has been speaking about the Habs with seriousness.
In an interview, he even said that Montreal was going to become very difficult to play against.
You could sense a different tone, not the kind of compliment thrown out just to be polite.
Paul Maurice had strong words for the Canadiens before the game - and the aftermath spoke volumes
A few hours later, on the ice, the script took on a much heavier turn. The Canadiens erased a two-goal deficit in the third period, then won 3-2 in overtime.
Nick Suzuki scored twice, including the game-winner, and Cole Caufield also found the back of the net.
The game, however, was marked by Brad Marchand's hit on Mike Matheson in overtime. Marchand was penalized, and Matheson did not return to the game after the sequence.
The Canadiens took advantage of the power play to end things quickly.
It sparked plenty of discussion, especially given his history, and it cast a cloud over what was otherwise an exciting win.
In the same game, Marchand scored his 23rd goal of the season, after being recognized for his 1,000th career point.
As for Matheson, the timing is hard to swallow for fans. The 31-year-old defenseman just signed a five-year contract extension worth $30 million in total.
When a pillar like him leaves a game like that, everyone holds their breath.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice on the Habs:
"They're a very fast, dynamic team, especially off that backend. They control the puck really well in the O-zone. You have to look at them as one of the more skilled teams.
That D is getting up the ice whether you want them to or not."
"They're a very fast, dynamic team, especially off that backend. They control the puck really well in the O-zone. You have to look at them as one of the more skilled teams.
That D is getting up the ice whether you want them to or not."
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| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 2212 ANSWERS Paul Maurice had strong words for the Canadiens, and they backed it up with a comeback win Do you think Brad Marchand's action deserved a suspension or disciplinary punishment? | ||
| Yes, a fine | 655 | 29.6 % |
| Yes, a suspension | 1455 | 65.8 % |
| No | 102 | 4.6 % |
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