SUNRISE — It was more of a light jab than a full-on hit.
Nonetheless, judging by the reaction from Panthers coach Paul Maurice’s wife, it may have left a mark.
We’re discussing Jon Cooper’s clever retort aimed at Maurice after Game 3 on Saturday. The previous day, Maurice had been asked about targeting Nikita Kucherov and responded by referencing Brandon Hagel’s tough hit on Aleksander Barkov during Game 2.
“We only hit players who have the puck,” Maurice stated.
In response, when Matthew Tkachuk collided with Jake Guentzel right after he released the puck on Saturday, Cooper had a snappy comeback ready when questioned about its implications.
“We only hit players with pucks,” Cooper quipped.
Clever, right?
Maurice and his wife, Michelle, were home watching the Toronto-Ottawa playoff matchup when Cooper’s postgame comment appeared on screen.
“He got me with that one, which I respect,” Maurice said, smiling. “He even used my own phrase against me, though I’m not sure it fits the context of the game. But it was still good.”
“My wife found it hilarious. She thought it was very funny.”
Welcome to the NHL playoffs, where irritation is at the core and taunting is a must.
This is especially true for the Panthers and Lightning, who are clashing for the fourth time in five years during the playoffs. In the first three games of this series, there have been 11 roughing calls, three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, and two misconducts. This doesn’t even cover the notorious hits by Hagel and Tkachuk, both classified as interference.
This prompted Maurice to comment on the game’s intensity after Game 3:
“I thought it was pretty calm out there. I didn’t sense the usual intensity in the hits.”
Perhaps Maurice genuinely believed that. Or maybe he was anticipating the league’s review of Tkachuk’s hit and aimed to soften the harshness of the first three games.
If that was the case, it worked. The league concluded that Tkachuk’s hit didn’t match the severity of Hagel’s hit, which earned a one-game suspension.
Although, Hagel’s suspension could have played into the Panthers’ theatrics about Barkov’s condition. Once Hagel was suspended, a seemingly revitalized Barkov stepped up in Game 3.
“Is there gamesmanship when you’re sitting inches away from a microphone? Absolutely,” Cooper said Sunday. “I can’t deny I’ve done that myself, and I know all 31 other coaches have too.”
“The issue is that the league is probably smarter than us, so they know our tactics. But, yes, it definitely happens.”
Such banter is expected in hockey. In fact, it’s part of the fun.
Players clearly savor the heightened intensity. Hagel appeared to have a blast engaging with the Florida bench during Game 2. Zemgus Girgensons, new to the postseason after 11 seasons, described playoff hockey as “incredible.”
“It’s fast, physical, chippy, and just a blast,” Girgensons said.
Ultimately, it’s about strategy. The Panthers are known for their physical play, leading the league in hits and penalty minutes. Plus, they have skilled provocateurs like Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand.
Florida aims to disrupt your game, whether through intimidation or pure annoyance. This likely explains the surge in scrums seen throughout the series.
“You’re battling for every inch; that’s what playoff hockey is all about,” Lightning captain Victor Hedman stated. “It’s part of the game, not just in our series but throughout the playoffs. You try to stay cool and avoid penalties.”
“Game 3 was a good example. You only penalize one player from each scrum, so we need to ensure we’re on the right side of it. But in the heat of the moment, emotions can run high.”
You could argue the series’ tone was set in the first period of Game 1, when Tkachuk took out Kucherov and ended up in the penalty box for roughing. The Panthers conceded a tying goal on the ensuing power play, but it might have derailed the Lightning’s offense for two games.
You could also suggest that Hagel’s suspension for hitting Barkov shifted the momentum and fueled Tampa Bay’s resurgence in Game 3.
You might even argue that Cooper’s public dismissal of the league’s decision not to sanction Tkachuk isn’t the narrative he’ll share with the team before Game 4.
There’s a lot that can be argued at this stage.
It’s playoff hockey.
Current Series Standings
EASTERN CONFERENCE, FIRST ROUND
Game 1: Panthers 6, Lightning 2
Game 2: Panthers 2, Lightning 0
Game 3: Lightning 5, Panthers 1
Upcoming Games:
Monday: at Sunrise, 7 PM, FanDuel Sports Sun, ESPN
Wednesday: at Amalie Arena, 7:30 PM, FanDuel Sports Sun, ESPN2
Friday: at Sunrise, TBD*
Sunday: at Amalie Arena, TBD*
*if necessary
Conclusion
As the series between the Panthers and Lightning unfolds, the tension and competitive spirit continue to rise. Both teams are aware that every moment counts, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the series so tightly contested, fans can expect thrilling action in the upcoming games.
FAQs
Q: What are the upcoming game schedules?
A: The next game is on Monday at Sunrise at 7 PM, followed by a Wednesday matchup at Amalie Arena at 7:30 PM.
Q: Why was Hagel suspended?
A: Brandon Hagel received a one-game suspension for his hit on Aleksander Barkov in Game 2.
Q: How have the teams performed so far in the series?
A: The Panthers won the first two games, while the Lightning took Game 3, making the series competitive.
