Referees are petrified to make calls so they get to work in the Conference finals!

As we watch what comes next for the San Jose Sharks, fans across the league can’t help but wonder if they would be playing in Round 2 if the referees hadn’t made the miscall in Game 7 against the Vegas Golden Knights. 

During the do or die contest between San Jose and Vegas, the Sharks were behind 3-0 in the third period as some fans started to leave the tank. However, one major turning point in the game took place and has ever since been under scrutiny. 

Right after the face-off against Cody Eakin, Sharks captain Joe Pavelski was pushed by the Vegas forward. Losing his balance, Pavelski ended up in the way of Paul Stastny, who crushed him brutally on the ice in a pinball effect.He fell hard on his shoulder and head, right on the ice and left the game bloody. 

Eakin was given a major cross-checking penalty and was ejected from the game on a misconduct. 

It was clear and has been repeated many times since that it was a blatant miscall. A day after that controversial game won by the Sharks following a miraculous comeback, referees Eric Furlatt and Dan O'Halloran were officially left out by the National Hockey League for the rest of the playoff games.

NCB’s Pierre McGuire revealed that now referees are petrified after what happened in the San Jose - Vegas game seeing that these officials aren’t working the next rounds. After Boston Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy received just a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head on Columbus’ Josh Anderson. 

The league later suspended the Bruins’ defenseman a game for his high hit on Anderson. McGuire explained the fear of the officials have gotten them to be too careful with serious situations that should require major penalties. 

They want to work the next round. 

Let’s go back to basics guys: don’t call a penalty unless you see it. You didn’t see if in the Pavelski mess, you did with McAvoy. 

We all know you can’t officiate, coach or play if you’re afraid on the ice!