It's becoming more and more mentally draining to discuss the officiating in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, but it seems to be the hot topic day in and day out. I suppose it's to be expected with so much at stake, but it's tough to look at some of the calls made (and not made) this year and say it's status quo with a straight face.
Perhaps the biggest issue is the effect that re-writing the rulebook for the postseason can have on any potential first time viewers who are trying to learn the game. It can become confusing for some and can have an adverse reaction on the overall popularity of the game.
The officials are essentially deciding the outcomes of games by not calling the rulebook the way it is written and it's frustrating for owners, fans and players alike and, according to former NHLer and current Analyst Ray Ferraro, that needs to change.
"The popularity of the league will not grow in the current form (officiating)," said Ferraro on Thursday. "They have to have a plan moving forward. I don't want to see stars being mugged and headlocked all over the ice. You are just dumbing down the game for those with less skill."
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It's important to note that Ferraro came up through the ranks at a time when it was almost open season on any player at any given time, unless teams sent enforcers out to protect their stars.
Ferraro certainly has a valid point in that its no fun to see guys having their way with the league's best players, impeding them from generating a higher volume of what would certainly make the league more popular. Highlight-reel plays.
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