Connor McDavid is forcing officials to call better quality games
Connor McDavid is halfway done his 3 game suspension, but analysts around the league are beginning to consider the overall impact it's had on the league so far.
According to the Hockey Writers, Will There Be Fallout from the McDavid Suspension?
Friedman mentioned that watching the officials after Connor McDavid returns from his suspension could expose an interesting trend. He cited a previous situation where «Calgary's penalty count went from 30th to fourth after Dennis Wideman high-sticked a linesman in 2016.» The officials were hard on the Flames. Could the opposite happen with the Oilers?
Friedman said he's been told by another NHL executive that the Oilers and their opponents will be on high alert. Seeing as the consensus was the officials let that Canucks and Oilers game get out of hand, had penalties been called across the board, that scuffle at the end of the game doesn't happen, and McDavid and Tyler Myers aren't suspended.
The officials are likely feeling the heat and, as such, might call the game a lot more tightly. The Oilers could get more power plays as a result.
The hockey writers I think fans around the league are starting to understand just how powerful of a figure McDavid is in the NHL.
While his suspension is frustrating, the effects of his absence will have a positive trickle down effect on the rest of the league.
Although the quality of referring in the NHL will never be perfect, I fully anticipate for officials to call tighter games moving forward.
| POLL |
6 HOURS AGO | 75 ANSWERS Connor McDavid is forcing officials to call better quality games Do you think NHL referees do a good job? |
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Previously on Oilers Central
