Do The Referee's Play Favorites?

Hockey Talk

I see a lot of discussion about how the referee's seem to favor certain players when it comes to calling penalties; especially when the game is on the line. While it doesn't hurt to have a kid named Sidney on your team, I don't think that there is any kind of conspiracy by the referee's or pressure by the NHL office to see to it that some teams make it into the playoffs, but at the same time the referee's are human and are well aware that some teams and players are "more equal" than others, and may unconsciously lean a little toward certain players when it comes to penalties. On the other hand, I watched a game recently where the star named Sid was getting banged around all through the game, without nary a call. There can be a fine line in protecting a star player from constant harassment and abuse , and in allowing the opposing team to try and neutralize the key players.

Washington Capitals Hockey
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