Article content NHL insider Pierre LeBrun triggered fans and pundits when he said the quiet part out loud about league referees and the Edmonton Oilers power play. The NHL announced its four referees on Friday. At once LeBrun noted in a social media post that went viral on X-Twitter: “Lots of pressure on these 4 refs when you consider Oilers’ power play.
Major theme in this Cup final.” The reaction to LeBrun’s statement of fact was swift and often critical. Responded long-time NHL writer Ken Campbell: “With all due respect, mon ami, this should not be a factor.
The fact that it is speaks volumes about the notion of ‘game management’ in the NHL.” Former broadcaster and current hockey scout Dan Tencer said: “He’s right, we know he is, but I wish he wasn’t. One team’s success (or lack of) on special teams should be of zero concern and certainly not put any pressure onto the league or its officials.
” The Staff & Graph Podcast said: “New idea: call the penalties as they happen and if the Oilers score, those are the consequences of breaking the rules!” And the Tough Call Podcast, which examines all major hits in the NHL: “You shouldn’t consider anything to do with anyone’s special teams when deciding whether to call a penalty. Was there an infraction: yes or no? That’s the only thing that should matter. ‘Letting them play’ typically means letting one team stop the other from playing.
” And Edmonton Oilers fan Waddsy: “So much pressure to.
