Gillis fined for complaining about officiating

THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Canuck general manager Mike Gillis has been fined by the NHL for complaining about the officiating in his team’s first-round playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The NHL confirmed the fine Wednesday in an email to The Canadian Press. The league would not say how much Gillis’ comments cost him.

On Monday, Gillis blamed the referees for the Canucks being forced to play a Game 7 against Chicago. He said more penalties had been called against the Canucks than Chicago in the series.

He also was angry Chicago’s Bryan Bickell wasn’t assessed a penalty for a hit he made on Vancouver defenceman Kevin Bieksa during overtime of Game 6.

The Canucks defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks 2-1 in overtime Tuesday night to win the Western Conference quarter-final series.

Vancouver will play the Nashville Predators in the Western Conference semifinal. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series will be Thursday at Rogers Arena.

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