Originally Posted by The Comish

Man, the officiating this year is the worst I ever remember seeing. EVER. I've been watching NHL hockey since the 1979-80 season. Yeah, it's that bad.

Why on Earth does the NHL want to focus on certain penalties (often at the expense of nearly all others) at the start of EVERY season!? Just give them a pep talk and let them call the game as they see fit. If they F up, then quietly (cause they would never do this publicly) call them up on the carpet to let them know they F'd up.

How about a little consistency in those slashing/hooking calls where the talking heads tell us that when the stick goes horizontal and makes contact, then it's a penalty. Yeah, but 98 times out of 100, they don't call it! It's either a penalty or it's not. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a cheapy called and then the rest of the game, players can whack away without penalty. It must be confusing to the players, I know it is to the fans watching.

I realize that they are human as well, but when your bosses are constantly looking over your shoulder, you get a little nervous and maybe are a little afraid to be yourself/call your game. Right now it's a shit show. They definitely need to get this right before the playoffs.