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Bruce Cassidy and Nick Ritchie Both Fined After Monday Night’s Game

Both Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy and forward Nick Ritchie were given fines after last night’s game versus the New York Islanders.

The Boston Bruins game on Monday night turned into a shootout, which is something that is not common against a very defensive minded New York Islanders team. Despite the Isles leading 5-2 early in the third, the Bruins made a strong push back and were able to get within one with over five minutes remaining in the game. That was as close as they would get in the spirited bout however, and the emotions of the roller coaster game were easy to see in head coach Bruce Cassidy’s post-game press conference.

Related: Has Maple Leafs’ William Nylander Turned the Corner?

Clearly, Cassidy was unhappy with the officiating as many teams and fans alike have been throughout this postseason. Regardless of whether is was right or wrong in his assessment, however, the league does not take kindly to officials being criticized and as a result they issued a $25,000 fine today to the Bruins bench boss.

Cassidy commented on the fine and noted: “We’re told before we have to keep our comments civil. I thought it was. They didn’t see it that way.”


That wasn’t the only fine issued as a result of this game either, as Bruins forward Nick Ritchie was fined $5,000 this morning by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety (DoPS) for elbowing Islanders defenceman Scott Mayfield. The incident occurred with just over six minutes remaining in the first period, when Ritchie delivered a high hit to Mayfield, who was down on a knee playing the puck.

While some believe the play should have resulted in a suspension, it was a tough decision for the DoPS to make given that Mayfield was on a knee and much lower to the ice before the hit was made. There was also no call on the play for the check.

Bruins on Life Support

While most considered the Bruins to be the favorites in this series, the Islanders continue to surprise people as they have done for multiple seasons now under head coach Barry Trotz. Though the Bruins certainly won’t go down without a fight, they find themselves trailing in the best of seven series 3-2, and face elimination on Wednesday night.

Bruce Cassidy Boston Bruins coach
Bruce Cassidy Boston Bruins coach

For the Bruins, this could be one of their last kicks at the can for a Stanley Cup with this group. With an aging core, along with the fact that goaltender Tuukka Rask is set to become an unrestricted free agent at seasons end and is reportedly unsure if he wants to continue his career, it is hard to say what we will see from them as a team next season. With the firepower they possess currently, however, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see them come back and win this series. Game 6 should be a great one.

Next: Danault’s Strong Playoffs Play Poses Complications for Canadiens

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2 Comments

  1. Pingback: "Something Is Going On" When It Comes to Tuukka Rask and the Bruins

  2. Pingback: "Something Is Going On" When It Comes to Tuukka Rask and the Bruins » 观看直播

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