Like every game in the series, the Eastern Conference final game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night was physical and fast-paced, with both teams attempting to gain an advantage by any means necessary. That being said, the referees failed to call a clear goaltender interference penalty, thus it appears that they have either put away their whistles or are falling asleep at the switch.
When Niko Mikkola of the Florida Panthers roughhoused Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin in the second period, everyone on the ice thought a penalty should have been called because hell broke loose moments later.
It is also plausible to hold the officials accountable for their failure to see through such a clear call when the Panthers were supposed to be seated for two minutes. Even if there is still a ton of hockey to be played and criticizing an official is never appropriate, refs should also be held responsible if players must be held accountable. The NHL needs to examine its officials closely and sanction them in some way for missing calls, whether or not they are evident.
