The Winnipeg Jets struggled on the ice tonight, but head coach Paul Maurice’s dry wit was a cut above.
After suffering an 8-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild tonight, Maurice seemed to disapprove of Wild coach Mike Yeo’s decision to put out his top players in a preseason game that had already been decided.
“You get in those games, and they’re going to keep putting out good players,” Maurice said. “Like when they got an 8-1 lead. They got a power play. The best is coming out. In an exhibition game.”
He was deadpanned in his delivery, which prompted a reporter to ask Maurice if his initial comment should be taken as a sign that he’s frustrated with Yeo.
“No, no, I thought it was just an honor to be in the same building with him tonight,” Maurice replied.
You can watch it for yourself below:
The silver lining in all of this for Winnipeg is that, of course, the game didn’t count.
And don't forget that it was none other than #NHLJets HC Paul Maurice who endorsed #mnwild HC Mike Yeo as a Jack Adams candidate last spring
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) September 28, 2015
Maurice said sarcastically it was an honor to share the bldg with #mnwild. Yeo said No. 1 PP out late bc he was upset Peluso running around
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) September 28, 2015