Stars' Ott blasts Lavy's 'arrogance'
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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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I loved last night's game. If Ott was on the Flyers we would love him— notch44- Nuggett , you are a nothing.— jimmythec
