Despite playing against each other several times since they entered the league, tough guys Wayne Simmonds of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pat Maroon of the Tampa Bay Lightning had their first fight Thursday night. It came after the two had been chirping and agitating each other all game long. Before that fight took place, Simmonds was interviewed in between periods by broadcaster Leah Hextall, who didn't seem to be aware that the two had never dropped the gloves.
"I was privy to your conversation in between the benches with Pat Maroon," said Hextall. "I know you guys have a history and have dropped the mitts before. He called you soft. My question is are you?"
Simmonds proceeded to set the record straight.
"You should ask him. We've never dropped the gloves," said Simmonds. "He's never obliged me before."
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Hextall's mistake and asking Simmonds if he was soft caught the attention of former NHL referee Tim Peel, who ripped her for it.
"I will take a lot of heat for this but I am a big boy," said Peel. "Leah Hextall doesn't even know they have not fought before. Asking Wayne Simmons's if he is soft might be one of the most ridiculous questions I have ever heard. Do your homework."
This brought the following response from Hextall:
"Tim, the fact was told to me in the moment by our team who is almost always right! As a retired official, you should understand mistakes can be made. No issue with you not liking the question - your opinion. I do take exception to you questioning my preparation & work ethic. Best," Hextall replied.
In response to a question from someone else over the "soft" issue, Hextall said "I've interviewed Wayne many times. I know he isn't soft - he knows he isn't soft - we're creating a narrative which played into the game and having some wait for it FUN!"
Peel apparently tried to respond to Hextall's comments, but realized he was blocked.
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