Refs not calling the game

[nturn06]

If the game was called by the book there would unironically be 20+ penalty calls per game. It would ruin the entertainment value entirely.

It will never happen and the players have figured that out.

I highly doubt that. If the refs would call it by the book, the players would adapt fast. They now pull a lot of crap simply because the refs don't call it.

 

[K1984]

I mean if anyone needs a good Canadian example look at Hellebuyck. He put together an entire f***ing video presentation about the league's inconsistency when it comes GI. Now he's having the best year of his career and the Jets aren't any worse for wear penalty wise.

We need to stop being such p***yes as an org and plainly voice how terrible the officiating is for us, and especially for our star players. Otherwise we're just inviting more of this shit.

It doesn't even need to be confrontational, which is the most frustrating thing.

"We're confused at the lack of consideration of precedent at DoPS as it pertains to discipline rulings with the Oilers. We've yet to hear any explanation why Matthew's cross check on Dahlin was 2, Soucy on McDavid was effectively 2 (playoff multiplier), Meier this year was 1, but McDavid is 3. Similarly, we've yet to hear why Darnell Nurse's instigator suspension in 2023 was upheld when the suspension in every other instance was rescinded in recent history."

It isn't a generality, it isn't whining, it isn't just a loud complaint. When specific examples are cited, fans, the media, and the league can't just say "oh those whiners again." Any reasonable person can look at all those examples relative to each other, realize they're all about the same thing, and conclude that one specific team is getting f***ed. These suspension decisions aren't remotely defendable in the context of prior suspensions. Just saying "not fair!" leads to the brush offs.

 

[Roderek]

I highly doubt that. If the refs would call it by the book, the players would adapt fast. They now pull a lot of crap simply because the refs don't call it.

I am prefacing this post by saying I do not know the solution, but I do not believe it is for the refs to just call everything by the book. I was surprised by the 3-game suspension; however, I anticipated 2 as I didn't think they would have him back to play Vancouver in two games. If that Vancouver game was next week, it likely would have been 1 or 2 games. I think the other game was tacked on due to the elbow in the Minni game. Again, if this game had of been a little bit after that I don't think they would have considered it. Anyhow....

If it was called by the book a game would take forever, pace would slow down incredibly, and penalty boxes would need to be larger. If you think the solution is that the players will adapt and not do those things, it's pretty hard to use the low count of Oilers PP as refs not calling penalties. With how good the Oilers PP has been over the last few years, I can say with almost 100% certainty, the message in the opponent's dressing room is stay out of the penalty box. With players having that mentality, it would mean less calls.

Maybe they would adapt, but getting there would be painful, and pretty sure a lot of people would stop tuning in if every infraction is called. IMO this is how that whole series would have played out, based on the rule book. You need to watch the replay objectively and not as an Oilers fan.

Garland pokes the puck off McDavid's stick.

McDavid, collides with Garland and takes him down (first penalty on the play interference, Garland does not have the puck, neither does McDavid)

McDavid is Laying on Garland, making no attempt to move, until he see Bouchard with the puck and still in the zone. (technically holding by McDavid, but play would have been called on the first interference as Oilers had possession)

Garland now prevents McDavid from getting up (this is holding/interference however you want to call it) If this is the first call, play still proceeds as Oilers have possession,

McDavid Punches Garland in the head so that Garland will let him get up (this is Roughing, again play would be stopped here due to Oilers possession, but not on the Garland Hold)

Garland and McDavid get up, Garland grabs McDavid and proceeds to hold him (Holding penalty play still proceeds as Oilers have possession.

McDavid gets loose of Garland and Crosschecks him in the head this is a crosschecking to the head (5 min penalty) play is stopped here as Oilers again had possession.

So, in this scenario (which actually occurred) the first penalty in the series is McDavid, and if the refs called everything by the rule book, none of the rest would have happened as play would have been dead and face off in the Oilers zone.

In this 15 second of ice time McDavid committed a total of 4 penalties 3 minors and 1 major.
Garland took 2 penalties both minors for holding.
If you are calling it by the book, it doesn't matter if it is egregious holding or not, any hold is a penalty.
Do I think what would have been an interference call on McDavid would have been a weak call, as you could argue he had momentum and not enough time to change direction. Absolutely, but again by the rule book it's a penalty. We either have to let the refs have discretion or not. IMO I think they need to have some discretion.

 

[yukoner88]

I f***ing hate Elliot Freedman

"Teams worry about overcompensation": Eliotte Friedman on Oilers possibly being officiated differently following aftermath of Connor McDavid's suspension

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman raised concerns about possible changes in officiating for the Edmonton Oilers after Connor McDavid’s suspension.

www.sportskeeda.com

 

[TB12]

I f***ing hate Elliot Freedman

"Teams worry about overcompensation": Eliotte Friedman on Oilers possibly being officiated differently following aftermath of Connor McDavid's suspension

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman raised concerns about possible changes in officiating for the Edmonton Oilers after Connor McDavid’s suspension.

www.sportskeeda.com

LOL

So refs will be more likely to call actual infractions against the best player in the world and teams are worried about that? This league is such a farcical impersonation of a sport.

f***ing Friedman is a glorified gossip columnist and has no chin. Only in this country could he have such a platform to spew his bullshit.

 

[VeteranPresence]

I f***ing hate Elliot Freedman

"Teams worry about overcompensation": Eliotte Friedman on Oilers possibly being officiated differently following aftermath of Connor McDavid's suspension

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman raised concerns about possible changes in officiating for the Edmonton Oilers after Connor McDavid’s suspension.

www.sportskeeda.com

You just know it's the Avs who are "worried" about this the most, they cry about everything.

 

[fireantz]

Last nites game was a perfect response to McDavid suspension. Stuffed them in a garbage can and then went and sat on the bench with big shitass grins

 

[CROTT]

I am prefacing this post by saying I do not know the solution, but I do not believe it is for the refs to just call everything by the book. I was surprised by the 3-game suspension; however, I anticipated 2 as I didn't think they would have him back to play Vancouver in two games. If that Vancouver game was next week, it likely would have been 1 or 2 games. I think the other game was tacked on due to the elbow in the Minni game. Again, if this game had of been a little bit after that I don't think they would have considered it. Anyhow....

If it was called by the book a game would take forever, pace would slow down incredibly, and penalty boxes would need to be larger. If you think the solution is that the players will adapt and not do those things, it's pretty hard to use the low count of Oilers PP as refs not calling penalties. With how good the Oilers PP has been over the last few years, I can say with almost 100% certainty, the message in the opponent's dressing room is stay out of the penalty box. With players having that mentality, it would mean less calls.

Maybe they would adapt, but getting there would be painful, and pretty sure a lot of people would stop tuning in if every infraction is called. IMO this is how that whole series would have played out, based on the rule book. You need to watch the replay objectively and not as an Oilers fan.

Garland pokes the puck off McDavid's stick.

McDavid, collides with Garland and takes him down (first penalty on the play interference, Garland does not have the puck, neither does McDavid)

McDavid is Laying on Garland, making no attempt to move, until he see Bouchard with the puck and still in the zone. (technically holding by McDavid, but play would have been called on the first interference as Oilers had possession)

Garland now prevents McDavid from getting up (this is holding/interference however you want to call it) If this is the first call, play still proceeds as Oilers have possession,

McDavid Punches Garland in the head so that Garland will let him get up (this is Roughing, again play would be stopped here due to Oilers possession, but not on the Garland Hold)

Garland and McDavid get up, Garland grabs McDavid and proceeds to hold him (Holding penalty play still proceeds as Oilers have possession.

McDavid gets loose of Garland and Crosschecks him in the head this is a crosschecking to the head (5 min penalty) play is stopped here as Oilers again had possession.

So, in this scenario (which actually occurred) the first penalty in the series is McDavid, and if the refs called everything by the rule book, none of the rest would have happened as play would have been dead and face off in the Oilers zone.

In this 15 second of ice time McDavid committed a total of 4 penalties 3 minors and 1 major.
Garland took 2 penalties both minors for holding.
If you are calling it by the book, it doesn't matter if it is egregious holding or not, any hold is a penalty.
Do I think what would have been an interference call on McDavid would have been a weak call, as you could argue he had momentum and not enough time to change direction. Absolutely, but again by the rule book it's a penalty. We either have to let the refs have discretion or not. IMO I think they need to have some discretion.

McDavid did not commit interference, Garland checked his stick and the players instantly collided happens multiple times a game and is not interference. As so as the hit the ice McDavid does look to see where the puck was but then turns his attention immediately to getting up but Garland has been holding his arm since they collided. The only reason McDavid ended up on Garland was due to his arm being held.

Then you see McDavid trying to push him self up off the ice with his free hand and keep squirming to get free. Then he punches Garland that’s his only penalty for roughing prior to the cross check.

SMH…

 

[TB12]

McDavid did not commit interference, Garland checked his stick and the players instantly collided happens multiple times a game and is not interference. As so as the hit the ice McDavid does look to see where the puck was but then turns his attention immediately to getting up but Garland has been holding his arm since they collided. Then you see McDavid trying to push him self up off the ice with his free hand and keep squirming to get free. Then he punches Garland that’s his only penalty for roughing prior to the cross check.

SMH…

Yup. Agreed. Old Rodie's explanation of his version of events is pure fiction.

 

[yukoner88]

LOL

So refs will be more likely to call actual infractions against the best player in the world and teams are worried about that? This league is such a farcical impersonation of a sport.

f***ing Friedman is a glorified gossip columnist and has no chin. Only in this country could he have such a platform to spew his bullshit.

Elliot Friedman should have his face photoshopped into clown face and turn it into a meme for being such a joke

 

[BlackDogg]

LOL

So refs will be more likely to call actual infractions against the best player in the world and teams are worried about that? This league is such a farcical impersonation of a sport.

f***ing Friedman is a glorified gossip columnist and has no chin. Only in this country could he have such a platform to spew his bullshit.

Orchestrated bullshit. The Oilers are well below average in this respect but yah they should be worried I suppose. Friedman carrying their water though to make it look like its a contraversy to call the game properly.

 

[rboomercat90]

Elliot Friedman should have his face photoshopped into clown face and turn it into a meme for being such a joke

People just need to stop listening to him. He’s hardly the only one either. Most of them have little to say that’s worthwhile. I’m amazed to this day that so many are making a living at this.

 

[Roderek]

McDavid did not commit interference, Garland checked his stick and the players instantly collided happens multiple times a game and is not interference. As so as the hit the ice McDavid does look to see where the puck was but then turns his attention immediately to getting up but Garland has been holding his arm since they collided. The only reason McDavid ended up on Garland was due to his arm being held.

Then you see McDavid trying to push him self up off the ice with his free hand and keep squirming to get free. Then he punches Garland that’s his only penalty for roughing prior to the cross check.

SMH…

Just because it does not get called currently doesn't mean it is not interference, that was my point entirely.
I would not personally call that interference in a game either, but if I was calling it directly to the rule book it is interference.

Rule 56.

https://media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2024-25/2024-25Rules.pdf

A player is allowed the ice he is standing on(body position) and is not required to move in order to let an opponent proceed. A player may “block” the path of an opponent provided he is in front of his opponent and moving in the same direction. Moving laterally and without establishing body position, then making contact with the non-puck carrier is not permitted and will be penalized as interference.

Garland was a non puck carrier, he was already in McDavids path. about the 12 second mark (Of the link below)Garland pokes the puck from McDavid, and begins to stop/move laterally to stay with him, and McDavid drops his shoulder and drives into Garland. Garland did not have the puck was already in that direct path of McDavid to the net and had even stopped his forward Momentum to move laterally and stay with McDavid.


Again I am not saying that in todays NHL this was a penalty, I am saying if people are calling for the refs to call the game by the rule book this was interference based on the way the rule was written.

 

[CROTT]

Just because it does not get called currently doesn't mean it is not interference, that was my point entirely.
I would not personally call that interference in a game either, but if I was calling it directly to the rule book it is interference.

Rule 56.

https://media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2024-25/2024-25Rules.pdf

A player is allowed the ice he is standing on(body position) and is not required to move in order to let an opponent proceed. A player may “block” the path of an opponent provided he is in front of his opponent and moving in the same direction. Moving laterally and without establishing body position, then making contact with the non-puck carrier is not permitted and will be penalized as interference.

Garland was a non puck carrier, he was already in McDavids path. about the 12 second mark (Of the link below)Garland pokes the puck from McDavid, and begins to stop/move laterally to stay with him, and McDavid drops his shoulder and drives into Garland. Garland did not have the puck was already in that direct path of McDavid to the net and had even stopped his forward Momentum to move laterally and stay with McDavid.


Again I am not saying that in todays NHL this was a penalty, I am saying if people are calling for the refs to call the game by the rule book this was interference based on the way the rule was written.

Lol, its a split second after his stick was checked, Mcdavid was the puck carrier. No where near a late hit or interference, just incidental contact.

 

[Roderek]

Lol, its a split second after his stick was checked, Mcdavid was the puck carrier. No where near a late hit or interference, just incidental contact.

I quoted the portion of the rulebook that states it is interference, gave you the link so you could review it. Here it is again.
A player is allowed the ice he is standing on(body position) and is not required to move in order to let an opponent proceed. A player may “block” the path of an opponent provided he is in front of his opponent and moving in the same direction. Moving laterally and without establishing body position, then making contact with the non-puck carrier is not permitted and will be penalized as interference.

Garland is a non-puck carrier, he is allowed to be in front of McDavid, he has established body position, he is in front of the McDavid and moving with him. Making contact with the non-puck carrier(Garland) is not permitted and is interference.

I 100% agree with you that I do not want to see that called as interference.

but the thread is about the refs not calling the rulebook like it is written. That is what the game will look like if it is called like it is written. I personally do not want to watch that, and I do not think very many people do. I don't have the answer, I just know calling every infraction is not the way to go either.

The first penalty in that interaction based on the NHL rulebook is interference on McDavid. Oilers have possession of the puck so there is no delayed call and the play is blown dead immediately. Which would have prevented everything that happened after.

 

[Drivesaitl]

LOL

So refs will be more likely to call actual infractions against the best player in the world and teams are worried about that? This league is such a farcical impersonation of a sport.

f***ing Friedman is a glorified gossip columnist and has no chin. Only in this country could he have such a platform to spew his bullshit.

He's simply a broadcast troll. Anytime I look at him he has that shit eating cheshire Grinch like grin. I think the troll memes online must have used his photo to work off.

The guy isn't even a disguised troll. This is the state of broadcasting now. Troll the stupidest most irritating opinions and tell your bosses people are reading and commenting on it. Its from the garbage any news is good news sentiment. Nah, people at a picnic talk about mosquitoes, horseflies, wasps and ants as well. Doesn't man they're any good or liked....

 

[CROTT]

I quoted the portion of the rulebook that states it is interference, gave you the link so you could review it. Here it is again.
A player is allowed the ice he is standing on(body position) and is not required to move in order to let an opponent proceed. A player may “block” the path of an opponent provided he is in front of his opponent and moving in the same direction. Moving laterally and without establishing body position, then making contact with the non-puck carrier is not permitted and will be penalized as interference.

Garland is a non-puck carrier, he is allowed to be in front of McDavid, he has established body position, he is in front of the McDavid and moving with him. Making contact with the non-puck carrier(Garland) is not permitted and is interference.

I 100% agree with you that I do not want to see that called as interference.

but the thread is about the refs not calling the rulebook like it is written. That is what the game will look like if it is called like it is written. I personally do not want to watch that, and I do not think very many people do. I don't have the answer, I just know calling every infraction is not the way to go either.

The first penalty in that interaction based on the NHL rulebook is interference on McDavid. Oilers have possession of the puck so there is no delayed call and the play is blown dead immediately. Which would have prevented everything that happened after.

Thats because your interpriting it to mean that when its not refering to the situation between McDavid and Garland. Puck Carriers run into defending players while being checked multiple times per game its a hockey play. McDavid was going to push through Garland before his stick was checked thats where he was heading. Thats just a power forward play that Draisaitl does often that his stick got check right before it is not a penalty on McDavid.

I've never seen a player that was carrying the puck get called for interference after a collision with an opposing player while being checked.

 

[Roderek]

Thats because your interpriting it to mean that when its not refering to the situation between McDavid and Garland. Puck Carriers run into defending players while being checked multiple times per game its a hockey play. McDavid was going to push through Garland before his stick was checked thats where he was heading. Thats just a power forward play that Draisaitl does often that his stick got check right before it is not a penalty on McDavid.

I've never seen a player that was carrying the puck get called for interference after a collision with an opposing player while being checked.

Please show me in the rulebook where it states the puck carrier gets the right of way and can make body contact with a non-puck carrier.

I provided the rulebook reference for you that states that incident is interference.

 

[CROTT]

Please show me in the rulebook where it states the puck carrier gets the right of way and can make body contact with a non-puck carrier.

I provided the rulebook reference for you that states that incident is interference.

Garland moves into McDavid's way to check McDavid the puck carrier, thats a hockey play and the collision happens because of Garlands positioning not McDavids. You're looking at this like McDavid hit Garland, when it was just McDavid bracing for the impact of Garland as he was playing the puck forward with Garland coming towards him, The split second after the puck is knocked off his stick is not enough for interference. If the puck was free and McDavid stopped Garland from getting to the puck over Bouchard that is interference. Two players coming together during a defensive check at game speed is not interference when they're both reaching/playing the puck. Also hard to tell if Garland got puck or stick, like I said its just incidental contact.

 

[KCC]

I think McDavid should sit out the 4 nations cup with the express reason that hes unsure how refs will call the game and its not worth the risk.

Nhl officiating is unsafe at any speed.

The 4 nations is boring garbage anyways. I couldn’t care less about it and it feels to me like an all star gimmick made up by the league years ago. The only tournament that truly matters to the players is the Olympics.

 

[Whoshattenkirkshoes]

This is the same shit that Tim Peel unreasonably got fired for. (At least he was compensated well)

The NHL wants game management. It's extremely frustrating, but what do you do?

It's not really on the refs, but more so on the NHL itself and the direction they want to go.

 

[Oil53]

I think that the referee’s have game management and standings management orders.In this game the Kraken were granted PP after going up on the Oil which goes against the game management theory but aligns with the “keep the standings close” theory.Bettman wants the standings and games to be competitive so that fan bases don’t lose interest.It’s always been a corrupt league but worse now than ever before IMO.Becoming way too predictable.

 

[CanadasTeam99]

LOL

So refs will be more likely to call actual infractions against the best player in the world and teams are worried about that? This league is such a farcical impersonation of a sport.

f***ing Friedman is a glorified gossip columnist and has no chin. Only in this country could he have such a platform to spew his bullshit.

What a chump he is lol

 

[BlackDogg]

I think that the referee’s have game management and standings management orders.In this game the Kraken were granted PP after going up on the Oil which goes against the game management theory but aligns with the “keep the standings close” theory.Bettman wants the standings and games to be competitive so that fan bases don’t lose interest.It’s always been a corrupt league but worse now than ever before IMO.Becoming way too predictable.

Yup I call it "team management". Each team is managed a different way depending on their location, players or standings. GM's don't seem to care, as overall its a wash, but last night was a prime example.