Japers' Rink · Oct 5, 2019
Coaching Chirps: A History of Behind-the-Bench Beefs
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesOne of the subplots to the Capitals home opener against Carolina is the verbal sparring between Caps forward Tom Wilson and ‘Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour. During a September 29 preseason game, Brind’Amour reportedly “chirped” Wilson, causing Tom to challenge the Hurricane’s bench. Tom got a 10-minute misconduct penalty, and Rod got admonished by Caps coach Todd Reirden.
“I think a lot of former players that have played the game (like Brind’Amour), they sometimes forget that they no longer are a hockey player, and that’s off-limits,” Reirden said. “You don’t talk to their players, because you can’t go out and do anything about it.”