NHL makes controversial referee decision for Canadiens-Lightning Game 7
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The NHL has just announced the referee pairing for Game 7 between the Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight.
Wes McCauley and Chris Rooney will serve as the two lead officials for this first-round elimination game.
It’s the first time this duo has worked together in these playoffs.
And the context is raising concerns among Canadiens fans.
“Refs Wes McCauley and Chris Rooney are paired upfor the first time in the playoffs for Canadiens vs. Lightning Game 7. Today’s NHL officials:”
The Canadiens’ previous game officiated by McCauley had not gone over well with fans.
Several controversial calls defined that matchup.
Officiating became a major talking point among analysts after the game.
Now, in the context of a Game 7 elimination matchup, Canadiens fans are expressing concerns about this decision.
“Last Sunday night at the Bell Centre, the 22,000 fans packed into the stands—21,998 of whom strongly supported the Canadiens—loudly booed several of the decisions or non-decisions made by the Wes McCauley–Brandon Blandina duo.
McCauley and Blandina did not help their case with decisions that were at times somewhat random throughout the game. That is undeniable.”
– François Gagnon
And Rooney had not been much better.
Canadiens fans fear a repeat of controversial calls in tonight’s decisive game
The officiating context in this series has already been unusual.
The questionable penalty against Ivan Demidov late in Game 6 sparked heavy reaction, as did the uncalled obstruction on Kirby Dach just seconds before the overtime winner, and that’s just part of it.
For Martin St-Louis, it’s a factor he cannot control. He will have to prepare his team for the possibility of winning this game despite the officiating…
Especially after what happened in the last two games of the series.
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NHL makes controversial referee decision for Canadiens-Lightning Game 7
Do you think the selection of referees Wes McCauley and Chris Rooney is concerning for the Canadiens in Game 7 tonight?