‘This isn’t The Oprah Winfrey Show. My feelings don’t matter’: Maurice on Draisaitl-Barkov hit

Paul Maurice’s post-game press conferences have become their own little dish of entertainment, and the one Monday night didn’t disappoint.

Following the Florida Panthers’ 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers, giving the club a 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers’ head coach was asked his feelings on the hit delivered by Leon Draisaitl that sent Florida captain Aleksander Barkov to the dressing room and he did not return.

“This isn’t The Oprah Winfrey Show. My feelings don’t matter,” Maurice said.

Taken out of context, the quote is an instant classic and provided plenty of laughs via social media. But Maurice, now in his second season with the Panthers, is clearly frustrated that the team could be without their captain for an extended period of time.

The incident occurred midway through the third period when Barkov took an elbow to the jaw from Draisaitl. Draisaitl would receive a two-minute minor for roughing.

The Panthers would make good with the man advantage, with forward Evan Rodrigues scoring his second of the game off a deflection to give Florida a 3-1 lead.

The Panthers are now two wins away from winning their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final is Thursday in Edmonton. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT.