Don Cherry says that Brandon Prust wasn’t the only one at fault for Game 2’s incident with referee Brad Watson.
In an appearance on Coach’s Corner with Ron MacLean, Cherry claimed that Watson erred in judgment and in a way instigated the Montreal Canadiens forward during Sunday’s heated exchange.
“He (goes over and) says something to him,” Cherry said Wednesday night. “Stay away. What does he think he’s going to say back? If you know the kid is hot, stay away from him.”
In Cherry’s mind, Watson made a mistake in his handing of the situation. Cherry said that he should’ve left Prust alone — when it was apparent he was upset — rather than skating towards the penalty box (which you can see in the video below) and respond to Prust’s criticism of the penalty call.
“The ref knows when guys are hot to stay away from them,” Cherry proclaimed.
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Like Cherry, Prust was initially critical of Watson’s approach following the 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Prust alleged that Watson hurled profanity-laced insults at him during their exchange and threatened to drive him out of this building.
“He tried to play God,” Prust told reporters. “He tries to control the game and he did that (Sunday).”
Prust received a $5,000 fine from the NHL for the incident, which Cherry said was the right call.
The veteran forward later admitted he should’ve kept his composure in the heat of the moment.
“It was uncalled for,” Prust said Tuesday. “We got in a heated exchange and that should have stayed between us. I’ve always played by the code on and off the ice, I’m a pretty honest player. On Sunday I crossed the line.”