The NHL faces allegations of bias in Oilers vs. Panthers finals
Photo credit: ANNE-MARIE SORVIN-USA TODAY SPORTS
The NHL is currently under scrutiny following allegations of biased referee calls affecting the Stanley Cup Finals between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.
This year's Stanley Cup Finals have been notably uneventful, as the Florida Panthers have thoroughly outplayed the Edmonton Oilers. Despite the Canadian team's talented forwards, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has allowed only five goals, giving the Panthers a commanding 3-0 series lead.
"THE PANTHERS BEAT THE OILERS 4-3 & TAKE A 3-0 SERIES LEAD
ONE WIN AWAY
#StanleyCup #LetsGoOilers #TimeToHunt"
ONE WIN AWAY
#StanleyCup #LetsGoOilers #TimeToHunt"
However, many Oilers fans are skeptical that the results are solely due to their team's underperformance. Numerous Edmonton supporters have questioned the integrity of the referees and the NHL after reviewing several contentious calls. One such call involved referee Steve Kozari, who was criticized for penalizing Corey Perry for goalie interference, a decision seen as favoring the Panthers.
"You cannot make this up. Steve Kozari has just spoon-fed, gifted, given Florida a Stanley Cup. Unbelievable."
Another referee, Dan O'Rourke (#9), has also come under suspicion. Analysis of game results shows that the Panthers have won 13 of the last 14 games officiated by O'Rourke, whereas the Oilers have lost every playoff game under his refereeing.
"REF RECORDS: The Florida Panthers have gone 13-0-1 in their last 14 games under referee Dan O'Rourke, including playoffs. The Oilers are 0-4 this postseason when O'Rourke is working; the Panthers are 4-0"
While these statistics raise concerns, it is challenging to definitively attribute them to NHL officiating rather than Florida's strong performance. With the Panthers on the brink of a Stanley Cup sweep, they likely prefer to see these referees continue officiating. The league must address fan concerns promptly to avoid further controversy.
Source: Hockey Patrol
NHL accused of rigging Oilers vs. Panthers finals
NHL accused of rigging Oilers vs. Panthers finals
| POLL | ||
14 JUIN | 403 ANSWERS The NHL faces allegations of bias in Oilers vs. Panthers finals Do you think the NHL or the Refs rigged the Stanley Cup Final to favour the Florida Panthers? | ||
| Yes, the refs | 84 | 20.8 % |
| Yes, NHL | 40 | 9.9 % |
| Yes, both | 101 | 25.1 % |
| No, Oilers are not performing | 178 | 44.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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