Pat Maroon slams NHL, calls out officials in intense Leafs-Bolts series

Tampa Bay Lightning gritty forward Pat Maroon has had enough and let it be known on Wednesday, the day after a 4-3 loss in Game 5 of the series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Tuesday’s Game 5 saw 11 power-play opportunities between the two teams, bringing the series total to 52 power-play opportunities through five games.

And Maroon called out the officials on Wednesday.

“It feels like preseason,” Maroon said of the officiating standard being enforced.

Many fans and pundits have questioned calls made during this first-round series, but now that Maroon is being vocal about it, you have to wonder if the league will do something about it.

Or maybe just fine Maroon for his comments…

The Lightning, who will host Game 6 on Thursday night, have not lost back-to-back playoff games since being swept in the first round of the 2019 playoffs by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is do or die.

“The series isn’t over yet,” Maroon added. “We still have a lot of life. Lot of hockey to be played.”

But you have to wonder how many more penalties will be called in this series.

Five games, 52 power-play opportunities, with the least taking place in the Maple Leafs 5-3 win in Game 3. Fewer than 11 penalties were called with a total of eight power plays handed out.

There might be a lot of opportunities on the man advantage, however only 10 of the 37 goals in the series have been scored on the power play.

Let’s see if players can stay out of the box on Thursday in this crucial Game 6.