Just so I we can get this on record, you think Pittsburgh doesn't get preferential treatment from the league?
On ice? Nope. Off ice with promotion or TV? Yeah, but it makes sense as to why.
They have been one of the most penalized teams in the league for years now. In 2010, they led the league in minor penalties like we do right now. Of course, that's not enough for the conspiracy theorists. It's kind of a weird way of the league to express their love for the Penguins, don't you think? Sidney Crosby ranked in mid-30s out of all players in terms of drawing penalties/ice time, the last I saw that stat few years ago. That is pretty incredible considering the abuse/infractions he faces each game.
I don't ever think that the league has an agenda for few teams over others. Do I think some refs have personal issues with certain teams/players? Absolutely.
EDIT: Do I think some refs get intimidated by certain players/teams? Yeah. I don't know about stats but the officiating in Winnipeg has seemed a little wonky at times. I don't think the league tells the refs to call penalties on opposing teams...but the crowd there is a huge factor. This league would lose credibility very quickly if they instructed bias like that.
WPG: 6th in PP minus PK time at Home while 21st at the Road.
Honestly, this isn't even about Pittsburgh. Some people complained that in Game 6, officiating was bad because the league wants the Rangers in the playoffs. I did not believe that as a Sens fan; the refs are just incompetent. The Nash non-suspension was the first time I had a little doubt but I could see why Shanahan decided not to suspend him.