[thefoss1957]

I've spouted off before on this subject. Consistent application of the rules is the ideal. A action that draws a penalty call against a rookie in the 1st period of a game in October, should STILL be called against a HOF quality veteran in a 2nd OT in the SCF. The idea of "game management" and "make up" calls is abhorrent. And the ridiculousness of the philosophy that "a ref shouldn't make calls that may decide a game" is flawed, because, at some point, a ref NOT CALLING obvious penalties can also decide a game! (Reference the blatant trip in the recent SCF game.) Also, the refs pocketing their whistles punishes "skill" teams and rewards "heavy" teams.


Now, I am not saying that honestly missed calls don't occur. but, I a sickened when a team with a lead is allowed nearly everything except manslaughter, on the ice, because a referee is too gutless to make a late penalty call.


I forget which 20 year linesmen, who recently retired, said this, but, when asked "why didn't you ever become a referee?", his response was telling, "it is because I see the game too much in black and white." Meaning, that he enforced the letter of the rules too much for the NHL brass' liking. IMO, the NHL leadership is wrong, and teams would HAVE to adjust play to avoid the penalty box quickly, if all rules were applied throughout the contest, as soon as the practice became clear.