Maurice rues penalties in back-to-back losses: 'Not heavy games'
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice hasn't been pleased with his team's lack of discipline in back-to-back losses.
"We've taken 12 minor penalties in the last two games, and I don't think in either of those games anybody needed to wear equipment," Maurice told reporters after Monday's 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. "They're not heavy games. They weren't mean, they weren't angry, they're just, I don't even know what the hell they are.
"But with (defenseman Aaron Ekblad) out of the lineup, we can't be in the box 12 times in two games. We just can't. We've given them four goals and that's the difference in both of them."
The Panthers had a 2-0 lead over the Flyers after the first period, with their first goal coming from Sam Reinhart on the penalty kill. However, Philadelphia scored twice on the power play in the final frame to knot the game up at 3-3. Noah Cates completed the comeback with less than six minutes remaining in regulation.
Florida was assessed 14 penalty minutes in the loss and handed its Eastern Conference rivals five chances on the man advantage.
Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins was a similar story. The Panthers again took 14 penalty minutes, and the Bruins converted on two of their five opportunities, including the overtime winner.
Ekblad has missed the past two contests with an undisclosed issue, a major blow to Florida's PK. The rearguard ranks second on the team in shorthanded ice time per game (2:34) this season, trailing only Gustav Forsling.
The Panthers also had trouble staying out of the box Wednesday against Utah, but they killed off three of their four penalties to win 4-1.
"If we get to 18 (penalties) in three games, we deserve what we get," Maurice said. "I don't understand half the calls, but that's OK. I don't get paid to understand that, I'm still trying to figure out my team."
Florida will be tasked with holding off the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
HEADLINES
- Jones: Being booed by home fans 'comes with the territory' of contract
- Report: No Pens safe from trade except players with no-move clauses
- Top Shelf: East playoff battles, mock Nelson trades, draft top 5, and more
- Report: Leafs, Senators, Oilers among teams eyeing Klingberg
- Marino to make Utah debut vs. Canadiens