Paul Maurice Defends Sam Bennett's Headshot on Anthony Stolarz Following Game 1

With his team down 1-0 in their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Paul Maurice has to regroup his team ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday, with a vengeful opponent waiting in the wings.

Having to not only deal with a loss, but the backlash from both Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk's actions in Game 1, no one should envy Maurice whatsoever.

Speaking to the media after Monday's defeat, Maurice answered a variety of questions, but none more pressing than Sam Bennett's elbow.

After knocking Anthony Stolarz out of the game, and now needing to deal with a potential suspension, Bennett was a menace all night; and not in a positive way.

So when asked about his thoughts on the whole situation, Maurice wasn't neutral in his observations and defended his forward's actions:

It's a pretty tone-deaf comment from Maurice all things considered, and his hollow sentiments towards Anthony Stolarz feel like lip service rather than genuine.

Fans are also pretty furious with the former Leafs bench boss, as it seems he's trying to put on some type of victim persona, and often gets away with a lot.

It has to be argued that Maurice's style of play is detrimental to their opponents, not because it's just annoying to play against, but there's a real chance that their recklessness will injure someone.

How they can keep getting away with things is egregious too, and if the NHL wanted to make a statement they would suspend Bennett, Tkachuk, and Maurice for a couple games to give them a lesson.

Far too often, Maurice's squad gets to run rampant over opponents and give them a headache without any punishment; the favoritisms need to stop.

Craig Berube praised Maurice's team for being physical, resilient, and tough.

But there's a line that was crossed into maliciousness, and that won't stand for Berube or the Maple Leafs.

It shouldn't for Maurice either.