A former Boston Bruins center drew the ire of North Carolina’s governor on Saturday night.
Erik Haula, now with the Devils, delivered a high hit to fellow former Bruin Dmitry Orlov against the glass during the third period of New Jersey’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Orlov remained on the ice briefly before he got up and went after Haula — who was assessed a roughing penalty for the hit — as the center was on his way to the penalty box.
While Orlov seemed fine after the hit, it didn’t set well with North Carolina governor Roy Cooper.
“Glad our @Canes are done with the @NJDevils for the regular season,” he posted to X. “Great win tonight while surviving some vicious hits. Devils are too good for such dirty play.”
Orlov told reporters after the Hurricanes’ 5-2 win that he thought it was a dirty hit and Haula deserved more than two minutes.
“We got even. I got two minutes, too,” the defenseman said. “But I didn’t hit him, I just grabbed him and told him a couple of words. But nothing else.”
The Devils and the Hurricanes don’t meet again in the regular season.
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
