Head Coach Craig Berube Calls Out NHL Officiating Following Dirty Hit on Leafs Rookie
The Maple Leafs lost 2-1 to the Senators on Saturday and besides the loss, head coach Craig Berube was infuriated by the refereeing in the Battle of Ontario.
It started off as an exciting and heated Battle of Ontario that quickly devolved into a slow paced game filled with many chances, but not many goals. Ottawa prevailed 2-1 after goals from Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto (although his was certainly luck of the draw) and the Maple Leafs couldn't answer back.
The heat started due to Nick Cousins' dirty knee on knee hit toToronto's Jacob Quillan who was making his NHL debut. Cousins got the worst of the exchange and didn't return to the game, and Craig Berube had some strong words as the forward didn't receive any additional punishment:
Craig Berube Incensed About No Penalty, Relieved About Jacob Quillan
It's not unlike Berube to be upset at the refs, and often takes time to hand out some report cards to the referees either during or after the game. His current tirade shouldn't get him fined, but he has been warned to keep it down in the past.
He has every right to be upset though, as not only was Quillan making his NHL debut in front of family and friends, but it was the notoriously dirty Cousins at the end of another controversial hit.
Often the subject of some very controversial hits, Cousins uses the boards to his advantage and decides to take advantage of vulnerable players when they least expect it.
Luckily for the Maple Leafs, Quillan was able to shake it off, and while the rookie didn't play, he got the last laugh on Cousins who is reported to be out for awhile.
Berube's squad didn't get the better of the Senators who pushed their all-time record to 75-55-3-13 against Toronto. The Maple Leafs will once again try and get back on track as they face the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night.
