In a surprising turn of events, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper took to X (formerly Twitter) following the highly charged Devils vs. Hurricanes game, weighing in on the controversial actions of the New Jersey Devils during the match.

Cooper, known for his strong involvement in state matters, expressed his displeasure at what he perceived as “dirty play” from the Devils, despite their impressive performance on the ice. In his tweet, he called out the team, stating:
“The Devils are too good of a team for such dirty play.”

The game, which was a thrilling contest between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes, ended with intense moments on and off the ice. While the Devils secured a win, their playstyle seemed to stir up significant controversy. Several incidents throughout the game, including aggressive hits and questionable tactics, left fans and analysts alike debating the fairness of their approach.

Cooper’s comment drew immediate attention from fans and sports commentators. As a prominent public figure, his opinion added weight to the ongoing debate about the growing tensions in the NHL this season. While many fans supported his views, others believed that Cooper’s involvement in sports-related matters was out of place, given his role as a political figure.

In response to the Governor’s statement, Devils fans were quick to defend their team, emphasizing their hard-nosed style of play and the competitive nature of hockey. Some argued that aggressive play is part of the game, and that teams should be ready to handle the intensity of a playoff-style atmosphere.

On the other hand, Hurricanes fans seemed to support Cooper’s stance, echoing concerns over the physicality and tactics employed by the Devils during the match.

This situation has sparked a larger conversation about the role of physicality in hockey and how it affects the sport’s reputation. While hockey has always been known for its rough-and-tumble style, incidents like this one often lead to questions about where the line should be drawn between aggressive competitiveness and unsportsmanlike conduct.

Governor Roy Cooper’s statement adds another layer to the drama surrounding the Devils/Hurricanes rivalry. Whether you agree with his take or not, it’s clear that the physicality of hockey continues to be a hot topic, and it’s only a matter of time before other public figures and fans chime in on what is considered acceptable behavior on the ice.