Bruins player flips off Montreal fans after goal

Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference hadn't scored a playoff goal in a decade so it's understandable that he may have had some pent up frustration when he finally put the puck in the net Thursday night.

But did he really need to flip off the Montreal fans?

Cameras caught Ference give the Bell Centre crowd the finger after scoring in the second period of a game the Bruins eventually won 5-4 in overtime.

The gesture incurred the wrath of TV commentators - and a fine from the NHL.

"It's what he does after he scores the goal that enrages me," CBC analyst Glenn Healy said. "Andrew Ference, you better get ready to open up your wallet because this little act here after you scored the goal ... isn't called for."

On Friday, the NHL slapped Ference with a $2,500 fine "for an obscene gesture."

As for Ference, on Friday he apologized but denied the gesture was what it looked like.

"It looks awful; I just saw it," he said of the replay. "I can assure you that's not part of my repertoire. I think my glove got caught up. I can assure you that's not part of who I am or what I ever have been. It looks awful. I admit it and I completely apologize to how it looks. I was putting my fist in the air. I'm sorry. It does look awful. I don't know what else to say."

Um, ok.

The gesture was not only boorish, it was downright bizarre considering the significance of the score - Ference's goal didn't tie the game or put his team ahead; in fact, the Bruins were still losing 3-2 at the time.

Perhaps we shouldn't be shocked by the unkind gesture considering the venom pervading this year's playoffs - after all, we've already seen a coach rail against the opposing team's fans and at least one dirty play caught on camera.

Last year's NHL playoffs slogan was: "History will be made." This year's may end up being: "Fines will be paid."