"When Claude Giroux played in Philadelphia, who was their leader?.. It was Chris Pronger, and if that had happened and Chris Pronger was on the ice, what do you think Pronger would have done? Never mind an in-person hearing, it might have been a felony if Chris Pronger had been playing.
When you talk about Giroux there, and knowing that Giroux was a Pronger disciple, he played for the Flyers.. If that happened against Philadelphia, like I said, there would be ambulances at the arena... Gritty would be led out in handcuffs if somebody did that against the Flyers.
Look - I have been a player in a game nowhere near as high-stakes as this, who has gotten angry in a tough, tough game - a really competitive game - when you feel that somebody is showboating you, right? It doesn't excuse going past the line, but I understand how it happens." - Friedman on understanding why Giroux wasn't pleased with either side
