Referee caught on hot mic confesses to letting the Florida Panthers off the hook
A fresh incident surfaced from the Eastern Conference Finals, suggesting that NHL referees might be lenient towards the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL referees are expected to uphold high standards to ensure fair and equitable playing conditions for both teams. Today, a newly revealed hot mic incident captured a referee seemingly permitting the Florida Panthers to evade a penalty during the Eastern Conference Finals.
The incident centers on referee Steve Kozari instructing Matthew Tkachuk to retaliate against Alexis Lafreniere with a shove after Lafreniere initiated contact. Tkachuk complies, shoving the Rangers forward, and they share a lighthearted moment.
While this interaction appears to be in jest, with all parties understanding no favoritism was involved, it initiates a discussion about the influence referees wield over a game. If Kozari had allowed Tkachuk to retaliate without explicitly stating it, it could have led to more significant issues. This will be something to monitor during the Stanley Cup Finals, particularly as Kozari is one of the referees officiating the series.
Jean Hebert 2nd Cup Final
Steve Kozari 5th Cup Final
Dan O'Rourke 7th Cup Final
Chris Rooney 7th Cup Final
Should officiating in the Stanley Cup Finals be scrutinized regarding either the Edmonton Oilers or the Florida Panthers, this incident may serve as a reference point. Currently, the Florida Panthers lead the series 1-0 following their victory last night.
Source: Hockey OTB
Referee admits he let the Florida Panthers get away with a penalty on a hot mic
| POLL | ||
JUIN 9 | 163 ANSWERS Referee caught on hot mic confesses to letting the Florida Panthers off the hook Do you think referee Steve Kozari is showing favouritism to the Florida Panthers? | ||
| Yes | 94 | 57.7 % |
| No | 69 | 42.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
