Stars' Ott blasts Lavy's 'arrogance'
UPDATE: As of late Thursday, the NHL still had not ruled on whether it would discipline Laviolette or Ott.
Stars' Ott blasts Lavy's 'arrogance'
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
UPDATE: As of late Thursday, the NHL still had not ruled on whether it would discipline Laviolette or Ott.
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. DALLAS _ Claude Giroux’s four-point night Wednesday in his return from a concussion was golden for the HBO cameras that are filming 24/7.
But there were more theatrics.
In one corner, Flyers coach Peter Laviolette.
In the other, Dallas center Steve Ott, known as one of the league’s biggest agitators.
After the Flyers’ 4-1 win Wednesday, Laviolette took the high road when asked about an incident with Ott as they walked down the runway following the first period.
Ott, however, did not. He said Laviolette showed “disrespect” and “arrogance.”
Thought he wouldn’t admit it, it was clear Laviolette was upset with a first-period hit Ott delivered to Giroux, who just returned to the lineup after being sidelined since Dec. 10 with a concussion.
Laviolette and Ott exchanged words as they were walking down the tunnel after the first period. On the TV replay, they appeared to push each other.
After the game, Laviolette didn’t want to talk about it, saying it would take away from a win that pushed the Flyers atop the Eastern Conference.
But Ott filled up reporters’ notebooks. He was upset that Laviolette didn’t leave the ice from the Flyers’ corner exit. Instead, he walked down the Stars’ tunnel _ as visiting coaches are prone to do _ because it’s a shortcut and saves them from walking on the ice.
And maybe, just maybe, he took the route because he was unhappy with Ott.
Laviolette walked through several Stars, including Ott, as he went down the tunnel.
“It’s disrespect of our building. Just let our team off,” Ott said. “He obviously thought he has a higher power than everybody else and a little bit more arrogance. Of all the coaches in the whole NHL, that’s probably the first time I’ve seen that.
“I would never do that if I was in Philadelphia in their building and had to walk through their lineup. Just let us go and show a little respect, that’s all.”
Giroux appreciated Laviolette’s actions.
“I didn’t know about it,” said Giroux, who was informed of the incident by a reporter. “It’s good to see we have each other’s back.”
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Giroux became the first Flyer since Mark Recchi in 2000-01 to have three four-point games in a season. And it’s only December.
“He’s worked really hard the last couples days, especially, to get his hands back and timing back,” winger Scott Hartnell said. “A guy like that maybe just needs a morning skate to be back in prime condition.”
Giroux now has a six-game scoring streak, and he leads the NHL with 43 points.
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The Flyers have won six straight over Dallas since 2007-08….Zac Rinaldo had six hits in 10:13.
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Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.
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Who's Steve Ott?...— jpatt6- Anyone who's ever had a case of the runs knows what kind of human being Steve Ott is. I'm sure Laviolette instigated the incident but Ott clerly instigated the contact. Ott talking about respect is like Stalin talking about humanitarianism. Ott's a lower form on the evolution scale. He's got kids who don't even know he's their father.— Claudio Vernight
- Steve "Sean Avery" Ott...kind of says it all.— djw26
- Lavy said on DNL, Drs in Pittsburgh told him some NFL players have had 30/40 concussions at end of a career.— Romus
- In 9 seasons, Ott has 196 points and is -15. Think the Stars would like a do-over on that first-round pick, so they could use it on Justin Williams?— 1980
- Ott had his chance to go with Bourdon, but punked out. Good for Bourdon by the way, but don't knock Ott for hitting G...it's hockey! And it was a clean hit.. A couple weeks back everyone wanted Rinaldo to run Crosby before he opted out so relax and don't be the typical one way philly fans.— philly thug
- philly thug, I count 5 seperate points in your post, and I agree with every one of them.— 1980
- As James Brown would say, "Lavy don't take no mess."— brio
- Giroux is a superstar waiting to happen or happening in front of our eyes. Hopefully he is ok and will continue to shine. And same for our other players with head injuries, get well soon.— PhillySubsMac
Comment removed.- wow, a whole article on what steve ott thinks...top notch reporting..— spittooncj
- I think Ott has a point. Coach Laviolette could have waited for the Stars to go to the locker room. He is arrogant and an SOB. But he is our SOB. If the tables were turned and the Dallas coach shoves Scott Hartnell, this board would be ringing with *itching and moaning. Ott is no saint but the coach was lucky all he got was a shove. Keep coaching and let your players take care of themselves. I don't think the league wants opposing coaches to walk through another team to get to the locker room. Especially, during a game where tempers were flaring.— Atlee
- Lavy is the man!! What a great coach to have Claude's back. A coach with guts.— Keep The Change
- Lavy is the man!! What a great coach to have Claude's back. A coach with guts.— Keep The Change
- Maybe im not shocked by Lavy going up the same tunnel as the opposing team because it happens in English Premiere and Italian League all the time. At any rate, even at the NHL level, players should NEVER talk to, come in contact with and especially instigate agression twoards an opposing coach. Its unacceptable. Ott had one ok season and thinks he matters. Its unfortunate this wasnt ten years ago or he would have been handed his lunch in a brown bag even if he didnt want it.— frstrm
