Concern - Playoffs Refereeing
From the News & Observer following the New Jersey referees debacle:
This isn't the first time the Canes have questioned the NHL's adherence to the league's new standards of officiating. After a 3-2 loss at Toronto on March 21, they accused the officials of reverting to the old standards and neutralizing the speed advantage Carolina cultivated to take best advantage of the new rules. Tuesday, only two penalties were called on the Devils, and the Canes had only one power play for the first time this year.
As the playoffs approach, many around the league not only see a slipping of the original no-tolerance policy but fear a return to old-style NHL hockey when the postseason arrives. The way the Hurricanes are built, that could be extraordinarily damaging to their chances.
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This is certainly concerning. I can see it happening too, as every year the refs seem to let a lot more go in the playoffs than the regular season. The prevailing fear among referees come April and May seems to be that they don't want to be accused of deciding a game based on a penalty. It will be tougher for us if we can't play the brand of hockey that has made us a winner due to the clutching and grabbing being let go.
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