Oilers, Thrashers Coach Fined For Criticizing Refs

The NHL is sending a message to all players and coaches across the league: Keep your mouth shut.

The league on Saturday fined Edmonton Oilers coach Craig MacTavish and Atlanta Thrashers coach Bob Hartley $10,000 each for criticizing referees.

MacTavish was livid after referee Mick McGeough called off an Oilers goal before center-ice faceoff late in the third period Friday night. McGeough believed he saw a glove pass by Shawn Horcoff, but replays did not show that happen.

"I know he is a veteran official and at times I have found his antics humorous, but if this is the product of that, there is a problem," MacTavish told the press after the game. "It was a ridiculous call."

MacTavish added that McGeough "should be suspended." McGeough commented after the game, saying, "My judgment was poor on the play."

Colin Campbell, the league's director of hockey operations, said in a statement that MacTavish's remarks were completely unnecessary..

"While the NHL regrets the missed call, Craig MacTavish's comments after the game regarding the call were totally inappropriate and crossed the line," Campbell said.

Hartley was handed a gross misconduct and fined for screaming and yelling at officials near the end of a game last week against Washington.