One of the lasting images of the Kings’ loss to Vancouver on Saturday is of Drew Doughty entering the penalty box, slamming his stick on the glass and yelling at officials. Doughty was upset at two perceived slights — the first being a non-call of a cross-check on Vancouver’s game-winning goal, the second being his third-period diving penalty — and after the Canucks’ empty-net goal, Doughty also received a 10-minute misconduct penalty. Doughty had not previously received a misconduct penalty this season but (based only on subjective memory) has been more vocal with officials this season. After Saturday’s game, Doughty looked somewhat sheepish as, without prompting, he said, “That’s one thing I’ve got to work on. I get frustrated with the refs too often, and sometimes I say things I wish I didn’t say. It’s something I’ve got to learn from.’’
Doughty, no doubt, is mindful that players do not want to develop bad reputations with officials. Along those lines, I asked Terry Murray if he had any issue with Doughty’s attitude, treatment of officials, etc.
MURRAY: “No, he’s been really good with that, I think. I know he got a little intense there at the end, because of the way it all unfolded, but overall he’s been a real high-class guy with the officiating, on the ice and on the bench. Never had an issue with it before.”
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