Flames' Hartley on benching stars: 'They didn't rob a bank. They made a mistake'

By foxsports
Published

Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley had no issue benching his top two scorers when he scratched All-Star Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan for Tuesday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In addition to sitting two-thirds of the top line, Hartley also benched fellow forward Lance Bouma following the trio's late arrival to Scotiabank Saddledome for Monday's practice. Despite using a heavy hand for Tuesday's tilt, Hartley insisted that Gaudreau, Monahan and Bouma didn't commit a crime and are not bad people.

Via The Calgary Sun:

"It's plain - they didn't rob a bank. They made a mistake. Tonight, they paid for it, and it's the last time we address it."

Despite missing some of their key cogs, the Flames (24-25-3) had enough firepower to post their third win in four outings with a 4-3 victory over the Maple Leafs.

Gaudreau, along with roommates Monahan and Bouma, are expected back in the lineup on Thursday when Calgary begins a modest two-game road trip against the San Jose Sharks.

Considering that the trek is also the start of the annual fathers' trip, one would assume that the three players will hear it from more than just Hartley if they are late again.