Jim Montgomery Calls Out The Panthers After Targeting Charlie McAvoy

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Austin Sabourin
November 23, 2023 (1:37 PM)

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The Panthers made it clear that they were focusing on McAvoy, who had faced suspension for a high hit on Florida defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larrson at TD Garden on Oct. 30.

Right from the start at Amerant Bank Arena, the reigning Eastern Conference champions targeted McAvoy with a highly physical approach, prompting the star blueliner to nearly engage in a first-period altercation with Nick Cousins.

Remarkably, McAvoy maintained his composure and ended up leading all skaters in ice time, playing nearly 28 minutes.

After the Bruins secured a 3-1 victory, head coach Jim Montgomery praised the 25-year-old for his poise in the face of the targeted aggression.

«They targeted him,» Montgomery acknowledged, noting the high hit in the first period. «You understand. It's part of the code of the NHL, after the hit that Charlie had, that there's going to be a little retribution. You understand that. I thought Charlie handled it really well.»

McAvoy's night in the Sunshine State was eventful, and he continued to stay busy the next morning.

The standout defenseman participated in the Bruins' Thanksgiving Day tradition by personally buying and distributing hundreds of pies to local organizations.

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