Jon Cooper Punches Back at Sheldon Keefe's Controversial Officiating Comments
We reported earlier that Keefe doesn't appreciate the officiating in the playoffs.
See : Keefe Takes Shots at Stamkos and Officials Following Game Three
If you missed it, here's what he said :
"The fight itself, that's a classic example of a veteran championship team like Tampa Bay manipulating the officials and taking advantage of a situation, right?
I mean, they know that we're basically already going on the power play because of the Kucherov situation, so it's a free-for-all. They can do whatever they want, and they just know that the way the games get called, they're not going to get another penalty.
I mean, you watch that sequence back and say that we shouldn't get a 5-on-3. The official is literally holding Steven Stamkos with one arm, and his other hand with no glove on is punching Auston Matthews. Not the linesman, the referee who calls the penalty was holding Stamkos while this was happening.
Credit to Tampa for recognizing that situation; it's a free pass to do what you want. Not only do they get out of it unscathed, but they take Matthews and O'Reilly with them to the box. Brilliant play by the Lightning there."
I mean, they know that we're basically already going on the power play because of the Kucherov situation, so it's a free-for-all. They can do whatever they want, and they just know that the way the games get called, they're not going to get another penalty.
I mean, you watch that sequence back and say that we shouldn't get a 5-on-3. The official is literally holding Steven Stamkos with one arm, and his other hand with no glove on is punching Auston Matthews. Not the linesman, the referee who calls the penalty was holding Stamkos while this was happening.
Credit to Tampa for recognizing that situation; it's a free pass to do what you want. Not only do they get out of it unscathed, but they take Matthews and O'Reilly with them to the box. Brilliant play by the Lightning there."
Keefe is known to speak his mind and often gets in trouble for it. But he hit a wall with his latest declaration, because Jon Cooper can also play this game.
Cooper Punches Back at Keefe's Comments
After these allegations, Cooper was asked to comment on the situation, and his answer is simply perfect.
"Manipulating the referees? I'm not sure what that means."
He kept it short and simple. His professionalism should inspire Keefe to do the same sometimes.
We're eager to see this rivalry grow as the series continues.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Tampa Bay manipulates the referees? | ||
| Yes | 144 | 87.3 % |
| No | 21 | 12.7 % |
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