Game 1 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final proved to be a tough opener for the upstart Florida Panthers — and a clearly frustrated Matthew Tkachuck — on Saturday night.
After holding their own for two stanzas, the Las Vegas Golden Knights busted the matchup open with three third-period goals to take home the 5-2 win and a 1-0 series lead. If not for the ridiculous heroics of Las Vegas goaltender Adin Hill, the game potentially never shifts this much against the Panthers.
But, even while his team took one on the chin, Florida head coach Paul Maurice kept a positive attitude in the postgame. Maurice was so positive, in fact, that he couldn’t help but crack a few wise jokes to cut the tension.
First, he urged the gathered media to relax in his own unique way.
(Warning: NSFW language in the video below.)
No panic button in sight for Paul Maurice. 🧘 pic.twitter.com/rGpoY34qYT
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 4, 2023
Then, he made light of the referees giving the Panthers a penalty after a seemingly fast review:
Paul Maurice when asked about the speedy high-stick review 🎙
"I think (the refs) were just excited about getting us into the (penalty) box one more time." @FlaPanthers | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/ba3hkc5hk6
— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) June 4, 2023
And he also had thoughts on what the Golden Knights breaking a 2-2 tie meant to the Panthers. It was a pretty straightforward explanation!
Q: "Where do you think this one got away from you tonight?"
Paul Maurice: "Well, that 3-2 goal made it tough… that's where you only have 2 and they have 3" pic.twitter.com/dYLGUJfx1a— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 4, 2023
Las Vegas may have landed the first punch of this Stanley Cup Final, but I have a feeling the Panthers are far from done. Maurice’s loose and free-wheeling approach to his interviews after Game 1 is an excellent sign for his squad.
