VIDEO: Canucks, Panthers scuffle between benches after Vancouver's OT winner
The Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers developed some serious animosity towards each other Monday night.
A postgame melee involving players and coaches erupted between the teams' benches after Daniel Sedin won the game 3-2 for Vancouver in overtime, ending Florida's 12-game winning streak.
According to Daniel and Henrik Sedin, a comment was made earlier in the game that needed responding to after the deciding goal.
Henrik says it was one person who said something they know who they are. Said they hear a lot of things...this time they crossed the line.
— Irfaan Gaffar (@sportsnetirf) January 12, 2016
DSedin on scrum: "Things were said by one of their players on the bench to some of our players (before OT). There should be more respect. "
— Iain MacIntyre (@imacVanSun) January 12, 2016
The Sedins had choice words at the end of the game for the person who "crossed the line," though they didn't identify him, according to NBC's Jason Brough.
"No, it was nothing towards their team," Henrik said after the game, acknowledging that words were exchanged after the game-winner. "We have a lot respect toward them. It was towards one guy and he knows who he is and he acted very inappropriate and that's something we hear a lot of every game but that was crossing the line."
While the Sedins were content to skate off the ice after apparently saying what they needed to say, teammate Derek Dorsett made his way to the Panthers' bench and exchanged words - and shoves - with Florida backup goaltender Al Montoya. That didn't sit well with Roberto Luongo:
Luongo on Derek Dorsett punching Montoya: Had 60 minutes to fight anyone willing and able; wanted to do it after the game. #FlaPanthers
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) January 12, 2016
Dorsett said Montoya took a swing at him, that's why he swung back. Said if Gallant knew what was said he wouldn't have reacted like he did.
— Irfaan Gaffar (@sportsnetirf) January 12, 2016
Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant let his feelings be known during the scrum, and he didn't look pleased:
there's Gallant getting involved.. pic.twitter.com/a9mZBeJ3Z8
— Stephanie (@myregularface) January 12, 2016
Gallant wasn't available to the media after the game, and it was announced he's headed to Prince Edward Island to attend his mother's funeral. Assistant coach Mike Kelly will serve as head coach in Gallant's place Wednesday in Calgary.
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