Jim Montgomery: Florida Panthers Embellishment Enough

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery puts on a show in Game 5 against Florida Panthers, calls out embellishment. Boston wins 2-1.

During Game 5 of the postseason matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery decided to take a stand against what he perceived as excessive acting from the Panthers. Despite the Bruins securing a 2-1 victory to keep their season alive, Montgomery felt compelled to address the questionable calls on the ice, particularly a hooking penalty called against Boston defenseman Mason Lohrei.

When Florida's Eetu Luostarinen appeared to exaggerate the impact of the hooking penalty with a dramatic dive, Montgomery expressed his disagreement with the call by mimicking Luostarinen's actions on the Boston bench. This display of frustration was not only a response to the questionable penalty but also a statement on the increasing trend of embellishment in the league.

Montgomery's performance during Game 5 garnered attention on social media and sparked discussions about the challenges faced by officials in distinguishing genuine infractions from exaggerated displays. The Bruins' GM, Don Sweeney, had previously called for transparency from the league following a controversial Game 4, and Montgomery's actions served as a visual representation of the frustrations felt by many within the hockey community.

Despite the ongoing debate surrounding embellishment and officiating, both teams received their fair share of penalties during the game. Boston was penalized five times, while Florida faced four infractions, with the Panthers even being called for embellishment earlier in the game. The balance of penalties did not detract from the intensity of the matchup, as both teams fought hard to secure a crucial victory.

As the series progresses to Game 6 at TD Garden, the focus remains on the players' performances on the ice and the role of officiating in maintaining a fair and competitive environment. Whether Montgomery will need to put on another show to make his point or if the officials will adjust their calls in response to the heightened scrutiny, the drama of postseason hockey continues to captivate fans and players alike.

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