Update: Maclean remains unapologetic; says Habs can talk all they want

 

[from The Ottawa Sun] - Earlier on Friday Montreal forward Brandon Prust and coach Michel Therien were critical of comments made by Ottawa coach Paul MacLean.

But MacLean wasn’t about to apologize.

“Everyone was blaming my player for doing what he was supposed to do,” said MacLean. “All I did was point out what happened, so no. I feel bad that the kid got hurt. That’s what happens. It’s a hockey play that went bad for him.

“All you guys were going to stand around and say that Eric Gryba was to blame. All I did was tell you what it was. If that was being harsh, being cruel to the player 61, it’s a big world out there. Grow up.”

MacLean said the Habs can talk all they want.

“I have no idea. I just want to coach this game. They can say whatever they want to say. I’m going to say what I want to say. I am who I am. It don’t matter to me, I’m just here to coach the team,” said MacLean.

Gryba had a hearing at noon and could be suspended for Game 2. The Habs will also be without captain Brian Gionta and winger Max Pacioretty. Both are injured.

League sources say the Habs are insisting the Senators rookie blueliner got his elbow up and knocked out Eller before he hit the ice. Gryba, who is facing a suspension, is denying that claim.

"I stepped up to make a hit and I kept my shoulder down. He received the puck by the time I hit him. I saw on the replay," said Gryba. "My elbow was down and there was no intent to hurt him whatsoever. I hope he is going to be OK.

"I'm not out here to hurt anybody and it's never a good scene or anything like that. Hopefully he has a full and speedy recovery."

Eller spent the night in hospital but was reportedly released today. He has a concussion, he lost teeth and has fractures to his face.

Gryba received a five-minute penalty for interference and was thrown out of the game.