Bruins and Islanders get new referees for Game 6
The NHL may actually agree with Bruce Cassidy’s assessment of the officiating. It has assigned two new referees for Game 6 between the Bruins and Islanders.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 31: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins takes a swing at Cal Clutterbuck #15 of the New York Islanders in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on May 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Islanders defeated the Bruins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesPerhaps Bruce Cassidy's voice has been heard.
Well, it definitely has in some way, since the National Hockey League slapped the Bruins head coach with a $25,000 fine for criticizing the officials after the Bruins' Game 5 loss to the New York Islanders. But in an indication that the league actually agrees with Cassidy's assessment of the officiating on Monday night at TD Garden, they've assigned two new referees for Wednesday's Game 6.
As reported by Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic on Wednesday, the referees for Game 6 will be Gord Dwyer and Dan O'Rourke. Francis Charron was the head referee in Game 5. Dwyer and O'Rourke have already worked the Bruins-Islanders series in Game 2, which the Bruins lost to the Isles 4-3 in overtime.
You're probably curious about how the officiating went in that game. There was one ticky-tack call against the Bruins, a cross-check on Brandon Carlo that could've been let go. But other than that, David Pastrnak was fairly called for goaltender interference and Mike Reilly took an ill-advised illegal stick penalty. The game also included two matching roughing penalties between the teams.
The match penalties could be a small indication that Game 6 would be called more evenly. That's all Cassidy was asking for in the first place. The Islanders aren't the dirtiest team in the league, but they're not the New York Saints either. Time to stop ignoring their infractions while eagle-eyeing everything the Bruins do. Just make the narrative of the game about the players and not the officials.
MORE: Barry Trotz makes Bruce Cassidy's point for him
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
