PDO
11-10-05, 4:22 AM
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20051109_122131_5528
Sportsnet.ca -- Following a 3-2 loss to Montreal last night, Tampa Bay's fourth straight setback, Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier became one of the first among top-line players to criticize NHL officiating.
"Question mark is, why is it always even on both sides? That's what I don't understand. It's a lot better than it used to be with hooking and grabbing but there's still too much. They still should call more. A hook is a hook. If a guy puts a stick on a guy's glove or if he grabs a shirt it's a penalty. It should be like that. It's a tough adjustment for everybody, you know, for them too, for referees, it's their first year."
While Lecavalier's frustration probably has more to do with the play of his team, the National Hockey League is very aware of the game's evolution. Sources tell Sportsnet the NHL has encouraged its officials to make certain the penalties they are calling are in fact penalties.
Too many "phantom" calls were being made through the early stages of the regular season as officials adhered to the zero tolerance campaign. Players were taking advantage of it, trying to lure the officials into making a call that shouldn't have been made.
So the league stepped in and instructed its full officiating team to continue to enforce the rules, but only when it's clear an infraction has been made.
Lecavalier's interpretation appears to be different as he questions the direction he sees the NHL taking.
"The only thing I can say is it's funny it's always even on both sides. It's funny... there's a lot less hooking and grabbing but it shouldn't always be even on both sides."
My boy Vinny says it like it is. :boogie:
Sportsnet.ca -- Following a 3-2 loss to Montreal last night, Tampa Bay's fourth straight setback, Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier became one of the first among top-line players to criticize NHL officiating.
"Question mark is, why is it always even on both sides? That's what I don't understand. It's a lot better than it used to be with hooking and grabbing but there's still too much. They still should call more. A hook is a hook. If a guy puts a stick on a guy's glove or if he grabs a shirt it's a penalty. It should be like that. It's a tough adjustment for everybody, you know, for them too, for referees, it's their first year."
While Lecavalier's frustration probably has more to do with the play of his team, the National Hockey League is very aware of the game's evolution. Sources tell Sportsnet the NHL has encouraged its officials to make certain the penalties they are calling are in fact penalties.
Too many "phantom" calls were being made through the early stages of the regular season as officials adhered to the zero tolerance campaign. Players were taking advantage of it, trying to lure the officials into making a call that shouldn't have been made.
So the league stepped in and instructed its full officiating team to continue to enforce the rules, but only when it's clear an infraction has been made.
Lecavalier's interpretation appears to be different as he questions the direction he sees the NHL taking.
"The only thing I can say is it's funny it's always even on both sides. It's funny... there's a lot less hooking and grabbing but it shouldn't always be even on both sides."
My boy Vinny says it like it is. :boogie: