MONTREAL — Ottawa coach Dave Cameron accused Montreal forward Brandon Prust of taking cheap shots in a third period stick battle with Senators goalie Craig Anderson.
With 2:03 left in Ottawa’s 5-1 victory on Friday night, Prust moved into the crease and brushed against Anderson, who responded with a stick jab in the back. Prust then began spearing the goaltender in the midsection and a skirmish broke out.
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Prust was called for roughing and cross-checking and Patrick Wiercioch got a roughing minor, while P.K. Subban and Eric Gryba got 10 minute misconducts for a lively wrestling match.
“There’s certainly frustration on their part,” said Cameron. “A sure sign of frustration is when they’re taking cheap shots at your goaltender, who’s a real good player for us.
“Cheap, extremely cheap. Prust, I’ve known for a long time. I think he’s a respectable guy. A real good player for a long time. But that was cheap what he did tonight.”
Prust did not speak to the media after the game and coach Michel Therrien made no comment.
Anderson was unfazed by the incident.
“He’s going to the net hard. It’s just a battle of emotions there,” said Anderson. “I’m fighting for my ice, he’s fighting for his ice. I got a little stickwork, but no harm, no foul.”
Montreal won the first three games of the best of seven series, but Ottawa has responded with a pair of wins and can tie it up with a win on home ice in Game 6 on Sunday.
