Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSquatch
I think officiating has been changed in favor of McDavid. The narratives around him, that he has "a lane" and it must be respected, this kind of thing, are real and pervasive. I think the NHL and all the affiliated broadcasters are on board with anointing and carrying a superstar because they want one, they need one for the brand. (And I'm not saying McD isn't an incredible talent, he is. But they've quite literally changed the rules of the game for him.)
The game management is real and obvious - I don't know that it's favoring one team or another, but it's like the Mario Kart scenario - the guy behind has a faster car because the game is more fun that way. Except for the guy in front.
I don't think the officials hate Calgary (although the Wideman effect was obvious and measurable pre and post incident). I think the league loves McDavid. Why don't they talk about MacKinnon at half time? He's the best player in the league. Because they've CHOSEN McDavid as the golden one. And it's too bad. He's no Crosby.
I would never suggest that the Flames play perfect penalty free hockey, no team does. It's a hockey game, not a philosophy lecture. I just want to see penalties called penalties, and called the same for both teams.
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All any team or fanbase wants is consistency. 4 sets of eyes on ice and video and there is zero expectation that the same thing gets called on the same team, never mind the opponent!
If mcdavid is the greatest player ever with the best crossovers and leadership then why does he need special rules?
And I completely agree with you.