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sports1d ago
Blue Jackets push back against Devils coach Keefe’s fight criticism: ‘Things were provoked’
- Columbus defended Voronkov and Fantilli after Keefe questioned their actions following the NJ victory.
- Voronkov and Fantilli fought after a late second-period scrum, with Fantilli defending Werenski against cross-checks and slashes.
- Fantilli had his first NHL fight while defending Fantilli’s teammate Werenski during the second period melee.
- Keefe criticized Voronkov and Fantilli, saying they ‘weren’t prepared to fight,’ which the Blue Jackets disputed.
- Dillon returned to the ice after the incident but didn’t play in the third period.
- Columbus played without Olivier and Gudbranson, making the win more notable to coach Evason.
- Fantilli emphasized the incident stemmed from opponents’ actions against Werenski.
- Keefe asserted the incident impacted Devils players who provoked the conflict.
- The two teams are set to meet again on Dec. 31 at Nationwide Arena, per Fantilli.
- Fantilli and Evason commented on the ongoing stories surrounding the incident and the team’s response.
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