According to what journalist Renaud Lavoie mentioned last night during his segment on TVA Sports with Jean-Charles Lajoie, the NHL has had enough.
Gary Bettman has just sent a serious memo, a clear warning to all the head coaches in the league.
So, don't be surprised if Martin St-Louis is wary of criticizing the officiating too much in the coming games.
Zero tolerance towards coaches, and Martin St-Louis has been warned as well
Here's an excerpt from his comments:
"The NHL is richer by $50,000! (following the very severe fines handed out to the head coaches of Toronto and Buffalo)"
"The message is sent by the NHL: do not make the referees look bad, and if you have something to say, say it in private, otherwise, it will be expensive!"
"The NHL had told the coaches to keep quiet about the referees. (and the warning has just been reissued)"
- Via Renaud Lavoie, TVA Sports
It's still strange to see the NHL restricting the freedom of expression of head coaches.