NHL officials under a lot of fire not even a week into postseason

The 2022 postseason kicked off on Monday and as all teams have now played the second game of their respective series, fans are convinced the officials will be a problem all playoffs long.

It started for many in Toronto in Game 1 of the Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning series. Overall, there were 11 power plays in the game. Fans saw the story repeat itself in all other games with the focus on special teams thanks to the officiating.

Last night in Game 2 of the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins’ series, fans and pundits still can’t get over this call.

A stricter standard has definitely carried over into the playoffs, though many calls remain questionable.

On Wednesday in Game 2 in Toronto, forward Michael Bunting was seen arguing with the official who sent him to the penalty box for a very questionable slashing call. He was caught on TV and we can clearly read his lips.

“Oh my God! that’s f—king embarrassing! oh my God.”

In the end, the Maple Leafs lost Game 2 5-3 to the Bolts as they couldn’t keep out of the box… maybe that was the issue all along. But yeah, we kinda want to blame the referees too…

Fans have been quite vocal on social media about the officiating this season and we have a feeling it will continue during the playoffs, no doubt.