NHL fines Panthers’ Maurice $25K for criticizing officials

By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer

The NHL has fined Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice $25,000 for criticizing the officiating in his team’s game at the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this week. Maurice called out referee Francois St-Laurent in particular in his postgame comments following Florida’s 5-4 overtime loss Tuesday. He told reporters he relayed to players it was not their fault and instead was about his relationship with one of the referees. The Panthers were whistled for 10 penalties to the Maple Leafs’ six. They spent nearly 10 minutes on seven different penalty kills. Maurice was fined $5,000 in 2016 when coaching the Winnipeg Jets for criticizing St-Laurent.