Canadiens' Therrien on Prust: 'What happens on the ice should stay on the ice'

Brandon Prust could be facing a stern lecture from his coach about his comments following Game 2 of the Montreal Canadiens' second-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Prust accused referee Brad Watson of provoking him and acting unprofessionally following a penalty call in the first period of the contest, which Montreal lost 6-2. Canadiens coach Michel Therrien, who is often an outspoken critic of NHL officiating, appeared to be unhappy with Prust's decision to make the issue public.

"What happens on the ice should stay on the ice," Therrien told reporters Monday. "We'll take care of it internally."

The Canadiens came unglued in the loss, amassing 53 minutes in penalties while Tampa Bay cruised to a 2-0 series lead. Prust was responsible for 31 of those minutes and ended the game by throwing his elbow pad at Steven Stamkos on the Lightning's bench. Stamkos gave the elbow pad to a lucky fan.

Prust will not be suspended for his comments, but he could face a fine as per the terms of the CBA. As for the elbow pad, it was returned to the Canadiens.