Paul Maurice makes bold claims about the NHL and officials being against the Panthers

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Matt Garland
May 3, 2023 (11:28)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers opened up their second round series on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. It was an up and down the ice track meet that Florida was able to win to take the 1-0 series lead.

The Panthers veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was outstanding in the game making 34 saves. Toronto tried to make a push late in the game, but Bobrovsky shut them down.

The Maple Leafs powerplay that was so good against Tampa in the first round, couldn't get anything going in Game 1 of Round Two going 0-4.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice wasn't very happy with the officiating. He let the refs know in a not so-subtly way that the powerplays were 5-1 in favor of the Leafs.

Maurice was off on this one, as Toronto only had four powerplays with the final one being a double minor for high sticking committed by Sam Bennett. Florida's fourth goal of the night game on a delayed penalty call on Toronto. The Panthers had a 6-5 man advantage when defenceman Brandon Montour scored.

Following the game though, Maurice made it clear that he's not happy with the officiating saying:

"We have just accepted the fact that we're going to be in the penalty box more than the opponent. Tell Sergei to get lots of sleep."

If Toronto is going to win this series they will need to get their powerplay going but the most important task will be to limit the effectiveness of superstar agitator Matthew Tkachuk because he played like a man possessed in this game.

Tkachuk Stat Line:

20:45 TOI
3 Assists (2 primary)
3 Shots
4 Shot Attempts
1 Penalty Drawn
9 Hits

On-ice for
29 Shot Attempts For (8 Against)
17 Shots For (5 Against)
3 Goals For (1 Against)