The National Hockey League (NHL) fined Bruce Cassidy $25,000 in June 2021 for publicly criticising officiating after a playoff game against the New York Islanders while he was the Boston Bruins’ head coach.
Cassidy’s comments came following the Bruins’ 5-4 loss in Game 5 of the second-round series, which left them with a 3-2 series deficit. He expressed frustration with what he saw as inconsistent penalty calls, claiming that the Islanders had successfully portrayed themselves as a disciplined team, resulting in favourable treatment from officials. Cassidy remarked, “I think they sell a narrative over there that it’s more like the New York Saints, not the New York Islanders.”
The NHL’s decision to penalise Cassidy emphasised the league’s position on public criticism of officiating. In a statement, the league emphasised that such remarks are disrespectful and harmful to the game.
Cassidy later responded to the fine, expressing surprise at the league’s decision. He stated, “Typically, when you are fined, you say something like ’embarrassing’ or ‘a joke.'” I didn’t say that.” He maintained that his intention was to defend his team and highlight perceived inconsistencies in officiating, not to disparage the officials personally.
This episode demonstrated the friction that can build between coaches and league officials about officiating, particularly during high-stakes playoff circumstances. It also served as a reminder of the NHL’s restrictions on public criticism and the consequences for those who break them.