Quinn Loses It on Ref, ‘Embarrassed’ by His Own Behavior

David Quinn lost it in the San Jose Sharks’ 8-3 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Down 4-2 early in the third period, after blowing a 2-0 lead, Quinn was irate after Kevin Labanc was sent to the penalty box for clipping.

Labanc back in the box for tripping. A confrontation ensued but nothing else. #sjsharks down 4-2 to #allcaps pic.twitter.com/nCHuSC2KNY

— TEAL TOWN USA – A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TEALTOWNUSA) March 5, 2023

“Clipping is the act of throwing the body across or below the knees of an opponent at any direction,” according to the NHL.

It appears that Labanc struck Vincent Iorio above the thigh – and this discrepancy might be what set Quinn off.

David Quinn was ejected after expressing his displeasure over a penalty call pic.twitter.com/k9iZ3lVw3k

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) March 5, 2023

Quinn was ejected by Gord Dwyer, who was the lone referee working the game.

David Quinn might be the first NHL coach to get ejected since Jon Cooper 366 days ago. If so, he's the second NHL coach to get ejected since Pete DeBoer in November 2018.

— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) March 5, 2023

San Jose Sharks play-by-play announcer Randy Hahn also noted that Quinn and Dwyer “had some words earlier” over a missed high stick on Logan Couture.

According to San Jose Hockey Now photographer Dean Tait, Chris Schlenker, the other referee, “tweaked his leg” and had to leave the game early.

The San Jose Sharks bench boss was apologetic after the game.

“I’m embarrassed. You shouldn’t act like that as a coach. I apologized to our team. It’s certainly not how I want to act,” he said. “It’s an emotional game. These refs work hard, they do a good job, and it’s something that should never happen.”

Quinn also cut Dwyer some slack because he was the only referee working the game.

“Listen, it’s a hard game to ref for two. He was put in a tough position being the one-man gang,” Quinn acknowledged. “I should have been more aware of that too.”

However, Quinn didn’t cut Dwyer slack soon enough.

According to the Mercury News, Quinn’s behavior will be reviewed and subject to discipline by the NHL.

From the NHL: Colin Campbell will review the incident between David Quinn and Gord Dwyer and decide if there will be supplemental discipline for Quinn.

— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) March 5, 2023

“You know, it’s tough. It’s a tough year,” San Jose Sharks alternate captain Tomas Hertl, who had a ringside view of the brouhaha, said. “Tough times for us. He was just fighting for us. Every day for us, [he just wants] the best.”

The San Jose Sharks will be off tomorrow, as they fly to Winnipeg to start a three-game road trip.