Penguins-Flyers: Penaties, Other Garbage Officiating

Let me be the first Penguin fan to go out on a limb here.

The penalties called during the first game of the Penguins-Flyers series were borderline absurd.

Don't get me wrong, I hate the Flyers. I want nothing more than an embarrassing performance from them.

But how 'bout we let them do it on their own?

The first penalty of the game called on Aaron Asham was a horrible call, and it led to a power-play goal for the Pens. I play no bias when it comes to horrible officiating, a bad call is a bad call.

The scrap at the end of the game? That's a great part of the playoffs. There's no need for a $10,000 dollar fine.

And the rest of the NHL playoffs? It's not much better. Game One last night between the Ducks and the Sharks was a phenomenal match-up. My eyes were glued the entire game regardless of there only being two goals scored.

But honestly, 10 penalties? I just don't understand it. This is PLAYOFF hockey. Of course, everyone is going to be more physical.

I agree, some of those calls were legitimate calls—but maybe only half of them. Not to mention, every time there was a faceoff, it seemed like the ref had to get in the face of every player to make sure it was a clean faceoff. It's just a faceoff—it shouldn't take you half a minute.

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I just think that Bettman and the rest of the NHL should let the players play hockey. The penalties just end up making the games choppy, losing a lot of the rhythm and overall amusement that I hope to see with the playoffs.

Let's hope that things change for Game Two.