Bruins broadcaster Jack Edwards lashes out at ‘coward’ referee

With the clock ticking on his broadcasting career, longtime Boston Bruins play-by-play voice Jack Edwards directed a surprising parting shot at one NHL referee.

The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided elimination Tuesday night, defeating Boston 2-1 in Game 5 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs series. Despite an exciting overtime finish in a chippy game, the wildest moment of the broadcast occurred after the second period, when Edwards went off on referee Steve Kozari.

In the closing seconds of the period, Kozari called two penalties on Boston for roughing, prompting defenseman Charlie McAvoy to seek an explanation after time expired. But as McAvoy sought that conversation, Kozari was quick to leave the ice, seemingly irking Edwards even more than the Bruins players.

Jack Edwards just straight up called referee Steve Kozari a coward on live tv 🫣 pic.twitter.com/gInBfzY201

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 1, 2024

“McAvoy is seeking explanation from Steve Kozari and Kozari is the first official to exit the ice!” Edwards said on the NESN broadcast in a very agitated tone. “COWARD!”

Edwards is set to retire after the playoffs, following 19 years as the TV voice of the Bruins. And throughout his career, the 67-year-old broadcast certainly offered his share of colorful descriptions and over-the-top commentary. Perhaps, emphatically labeling an NHL referee a “coward” will be Edwards’ swan song. Game 5 was the final home broadcast for Edwards. Game 7 will air on ABC if the series goes that long, and local networks don’t broadcast playoff games beyond the first round.

The core of Edwards’ gripe Tuesday night was fair. It’s not uncommon for players to seek explanation on a call from an official at the end of the period. Kozari leaving the ice seconds after making two roughing calls on Boston without giving the Bruins that opportunity was surprising. But labeling Kozari, who is three weeks removed from being carried off the ice on a stretcher, a “coward” seems just a little bit over-the-top.

[NESN]