The NHL wants to know why hockey is a '2nd-tier sport'

[NHLrules? 32]

Has it occurred to the generally clueless NHL brass that people do not understand the rules in the NHL.

Even long time hockey fans and players.

Let me make this clearer.

Its not so much the rules, but the enforcement of the rules.

The officiating in the NHL is a joke.

How many times today did we hear the announcers question calls at ice level? How many times did we see things that should be called that werent, and things that shouldnt be called, called?

What about that last goal? How does a goalie initiate contact and it is somehow ruled "incidental" and waived off. No penalty on Holmstrom for interference no reason for the call. How is that consistent with Kunitz running into Osgood digging the puck our and leading to a goal. All this on a nation stage.

How many games are aired on national TV in the regular season? If I wasnt a hockey regular I would wonder how often this happens. I know I wouldnt want to watch a league where the commentators (supposed experts) are confused about officiating all game long.

I am tired of the officials and rules of the NHL dragging this game down.

I have watched well over 100 games this year, I can honestly say the officiating is worse this year than any in memory.

WAKE THE f*** UP NHL, you are the laughing stock of pro sports.

[auxlepli 17]

Whatever. The NHL is fine. Every game has problems. Because the NHL is fourth, or maybe even lower, it always faces more scrutiny. Poor officiating happens all the time, just ask the NBA. Seriously, I don't mean any disrespect, but the officials aren't dragging the game down. It just happens the NHL is not on top.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Whatever. The NHL is fine. Every game has problems. Because the NHL is fourth, or maybe even lower, it always faces more scrutiny. Poor officiating happens all the time, just ask the NBA. Seriously, I don't mean any disrespect, but the officials aren't dragging the game down. It just happens the NHL is not on top.

The top 3 have video review of calls. NBA can review if a shot beats the buzzer. Starting next season the MLB can review homeruns. And, the #1 NFL has the ability for coaches to call for review. In the NHL, the refs have more power to influence a game because they can make a call on ANY play and put a team down a man, or like today, take away a goal and change who gets points and who doesn't.

I am now 100% behind the "coach's challenge" movement.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Officials decide games in football and basketball more often than in hockey. I'm just glad today wasn't a playoff game, although it's not like that hasn't happened before in the playoffs to us.

[HomeNugget 2]

the officials in every league have a lot of influence on the game. i remember two or three seasons ago the lions played a game against baltimore. a baltimore player purposely bumped a ref and for the rest of the game the refs called everything they could on baltimore.

there was an umpire in baseball, but i don't recall his name. if a batter ever argued a called strike the ump would tell him "i called it a strike, its still a strike and the next one's a strike too."

and i don't care what anyone says, but the pistons got cheated in game 7 of the '05 finals. the pistons are the rodney dangerfield of the nba.

[NHLrules? 32]

It seems to me, hockey seems to be the most inconsistent of all sports.

In the NFL holding doesnt exist anymore, its been like that for years.

However, MOST of the time I can see why the officials called it, most times even before they call it.

Can any of us say that about the NHL? I honestly have no idea why they call what they do, and why they miss what they miss. Many times they miss calls right in front of their eyes. They make one up later on to make up for it.

I am just disgusted with the NHL, it has become a mess. Look at the playoffs last year.

[cboth686 0]

its true. the nhl complains goals are down? Well stop waving off goals that should count!

LOL, that ref waved that off before it was even in the net. Not to mention he was on the wrong side of the net to see if Holmstrom was really interfering with Giggy. He schould of called that a goal, and went up stairs to toronto to get their opinion.

[HomeNugget 2]

It seems to me, hockey seems to be the most inconsistent of all sports.

In the NFL holding doesnt exist anymore, its been like that for years.

However, MOST of the time I can see why the officials called it, most times even before they call it.

Can any of us say that about the NHL? I honestly have no idea why they call what they do, and why they miss what they miss. Many times they miss calls right in front of their eyes. They make one up later on to make up for it.

I am just disgusted with the NHL, it has become a mess. Look at the playoffs last year.

i can kinda see your point there. whenever i see a flag in football i know why it was thrown. when i watch hockey i usually find myself shouting "where's the call" or "that was a call?" a lot. my original point still stands though. every league's officials can have a lot of say in who wins a game.

[Sgt. Angry 23]

Glad I turned off the game before the end today.

Not to make excuses for the refs, but I would be really curious to hear what the NHL refs really think about the NHL brass (without fear of punishment). It seems like every year, the league wants them to change the way they call the games. Where are all of the "obstruction hooking" calls that were being called two or three years ago? I would be willing to bet that if the refs could speak their minds they'd probably say, "Why doesn't Bettman just let us call the games, and quit dictating to us to emphasize this or that!" It sounds like the disallowed goal today would be what Mickey Redmond would term a "reputation call."

[Firehawk 305]

Whatever. The NHL is fine. Every game has problems. Because the NHL is fourth, or maybe even lower, it always faces more scrutiny. Poor officiating happens all the time, just ask the NBA. Seriously, I don't mean any disrespect, but the officials aren't dragging the game down. It just happens the NHL is not on top.

In a game that both teams score 100pts in basketball, a bad call by a ref may account for what, 1% of points scored in the game? A bad call by a ref in hockey is far more impactful on the game. And if you seriously think the NHL is anywhere near 4th in national sports, go get your head examined.

I agree that the NHL refereeing this year is the worst that I can remember. Just call it one way or the other, don't change your mind throughout the game. That is the most annoying part. And yeah, that call on Homer was a joke. The would-be game tying goal that was disallowed was the biggest joke of all. If you're going to disallow the goal, then homer goes to the box. How do you not call anything and disallow the goal based on interference? WTF?

[Firehawk 305]

This may have an obvious answer, but please humor me:

Why doesn't anyone ever get to interview a referee? Is it in their contract that there be no media contact or something? I'm just curious. Must be nice to be that well protected. It's like a meteorologist. He can be wrong every time no matter what, yet he keeps his job.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

In a game that both teams score 100pts in basketball, a bad call by a ref may account for what, 1% of points scored in the game? A bad call by a ref in hockey is far more impactful on the game. And if you seriously think the NHL is anywhere near 4th in national sports, go get your head examined.

I agree that the NHL refereeing this year is the worst that I can remember. Just call it one way or the other, don't change your mind throughout the game. That is the most annoying part. And yeah, that call on Homer was a joke. The would-be game tying goal that was disallowed was the biggest joke of all. If you're going to disallow the goal, then homer goes to the box. How do you not call anything and disallow the goal based on interference? WTF?

Im sure Tim Donaghy would argue that the refs can have a huge effect on an NBA game. A couple bad foul calls can cost a team its stud player. Or the closing minute of a game where every point is crucial, one bad call can blow it. Dont discount the refs effect on a game just because they score 200 pts. All it takes is one screw up at the wrong time.

[Firehawk 305]

Im sure Tim Donaghy would argue that the refs can have a huge effect on an NBA game. A couple bad foul calls can cost a team its stud player. Or the closing minute of a game where every point is crucial, one bad call can blow it. Dont discount the refs effect on a game just because they score 200 pts. All it takes is one screw up at the wrong time.

I see your point, however in an NHL game one bad call in the 1st period to put a team down 2 men can be devastating. I don't think refs can have that same impact in the NBA, unless your'e talking about the last 10 seconds of game play.

[imisssergei 0]

Whatever. The NHL is fine. Every game has problems. Because the NHL is fourth, or maybe even lower, it always faces more scrutiny. Poor officiating happens all the time, just ask the NBA. Seriously, I don't mean any disrespect, but the officials aren't dragging the game down. It just happens the NHL is not on top.

Here is what is really different about hockey. The way the playoffs are officiated. In every other sport, the officiating remains the same. Not so with hockey. This is also very evident in big games as well. The officials get away with it by claiming they are 'just letting the players play and decide the games themselves'. The trouble is, that by not making the correct calls, and letting things go, the refs are doing just the opposite of what they claim to be doing.

Nothing makes me more upset in the playoffs as when I hear an announcer say 'In the regular season that might be a call, but it's the playoffs!' It shouldn't matter. Make the correct calls.

[auxlepli 17]

And if you seriously think the NHL is anywhere near 4th in national sports, go get your head examined.

Go get you head examined!

[Echolalia 2,961]

The thing is alot of refs go with exactly whats in the rulebook, no matter how chincey of a hook or whatever it actually is. I also think i support the coach's challenge rule, but limit it to twice a game or something. The war room in Toronto will actually have some work to do then.

[Sepster 0]

Another problem is that in the NFL, NBA and MLB the league is willing to look at a controversial game and, if warranted, repirmand the offending officials.

Couple of years ago in a playoff NFL game the officiating crew made two total bonehead calls against the home team and the NFL fined the crew and suspended them from officiating the remainder of the playoffs.

Just this year in the NBA in a game between the Heat and the Hawks the officials mistakingly told O'Neal that he had 6 fouls and ejected him from the game when in reality he only had 5 fouls. What did the NBA do? They admitted the mistake and the Heat and Hawks were forced to replay the final minutes of that game, with O'Neal back in the game with only 5 fouls, to decide the "true" winner.

Do you think the NHL would have the balls to look at the Wings game today and say, "that was a blown call, you two teams have to replay the end of the game tied 3-3." No ******* way they would.

The NHL blindly side with their officials even when they are blantantly in the wrong and GOD help anyone who questions the officials omnipotence. If the NHL were more willing to come out and admit that there was a blown call and do something about it, like the other "Big 3" do it would be much easier to swallow something like today happening.

[imisssergei 0]

The thing is alot of refs go with exactly whats in the rulebook, no matter how chincey of a hook or whatever it actually is. I also think i support the coach's challenge rule, but limit it to twice a game or something. The war room in Toronto will actually have some work to do then.

I disagree with the idea to give coaches the ability the challenge penalties, sort of. I have no problem with looking at too many men, or delay of game, things that aren't judgment calls. But to review a hook, or a slash, that's pointless. I would also support reviewing offsides that are potentially missed.

However, I do feel that the NHL does the best job of reviewing plays. Every single goal is looked at. Regardless if it is a twisted dangle, or a close call, they look at them all. Usually, they get the calls right.

[Majsheppard 203]

Dude, it was horrible, but it was only one game out of many.

This is definately one of the minority games, plus every other sport has this problem and more often.

This is one game given away by the refs this year. I can think of at least one game given away this season to the lions, and thats a huge percentage. I also think every NBA champion is decided by the refs, and there was a scandle to prove it.

I just wish the refs were held responsible. I want fines, suspensions, or at least an apology. Worse still none of the players or refs can say anything bad or they will get in trouble.

If this was world cup soccer Dan would have prob been killed. Earlier in the day I would have been fine with that.

[Majsheppard 203]

I have to say that call wouldn't have been made if it wasn't Homer, and if we were on the playoff bubble.

I think homer needs to be taken off their list now. This bulls*** is getting out of hand.

[Z and D for the C 712]

The officiating in this game is definitely absolute s*** sometimes, but I wouldn't say it's the reason why Hockey isn't very popular. Not a very large one anyway.

[theman19 47]

Here is what is really different about hockey. The way the playoffs are officiated. In every other sport, the officiating remains the same. Not so with hockey. This is also very evident in big games as well. The officials get away with it by claiming they are 'just letting the players play and decide the games themselves'. The trouble is, that by not making the correct calls, and letting things go, the refs are doing just the opposite of what they claim to be doing.

Nothing makes me more upset in the playoffs as when I hear an announcer say 'In the regular season that might be a call, but it's the playoffs!' It shouldn't matter. Make the correct calls.

spot on. I remember watching that finals series against the ducks and vomiting after the horribly double standard officiating. A goal like this was waived off before it even goes in the net, but Hasek was pushed in the net (with the puck very much underneath him) and it's a goal.

Or my personal favorite, the refs call every hook, every interference they can find from oct. to the all star break. Then the playoffs hit and the whistles go away. That is unless you're the lady byng winner, they'll call you for a phantom holding call in overtime of a pivital game for the western conference championship. The NHL desperatly needs some sense of standard.

[2probert4 8]

Whatever. The NHL is fine. Every game has problems. Because the NHL is fourth, or maybe even lower, it always faces more scrutiny. Poor officiating happens all the time, just ask the NBA. Seriously, I don't mean any disrespect, but the officials aren't dragging the game down. It just happens the NHL is not on top.

far lower than 4th.....

NFL

NCAA Football

NCAA Basketball

NBA

MLB

Neckcar

Maybe Wrestling

[Dano33 41]

Just a thought, i think they could do an automatic review every time the puck goes into the net in the last five minutes of a game, regardless of how it happened. I know this would make games last longer, but i would rather them get the call right than have a fast game and see someone get screwed.

[imisssergei 0]

Just a thought, i think they could do an automatic review every time the puck goes into the net in the last five minutes of a game, regardless of how it happened. I know this would make games last longer, but i would rather them get the call right than have a fast game and see someone get screwed.

They already do.