We Officially Have Proof That Referees Hate Michael Bunting
Again this year, the officiating has faced a lot of criticism.
The referees aren't consistent in their calls. The penalties, video reviews, and other decisions have been under fire by many fans and players.
Yesterday, during the game between the Leafs and the Red Wings, they made another controversial decision after a big scrum involving all 10 players on the ice.
Ridiculous Game Misconduct for Bunting
Bunting had already been called out for embellishment when a scrum erupted at the end of the second period. Marco Kasper tried to reach Samsonov, Timothy Liljegren intervened, and things escalated from there.
As you can see in the video below, Bunting doesn't really do anything, but the referees decided to give him a 10-minute game misconduct. In the end, he simply moved a player's stick with his skates, and it got him into more trouble than it should have.
There's a problem when this gets you ejected and punching an opponent in the face doesn't. Why was he ejected when this whole thing was initiated by Kasper?
Another weird call by the officials.
Bunting is known in the NHL for his spirit and his talent for drawing penalties. This makes him a target for his opponents. The referees know it too, and they don't seem to like it.
His playing style should be efficient in the playoffs, but if the referees continue to be relentlessly on his back, it will be harder for him than anyone else.
Let's hope the NHL will provide stable officiating for the post-season games.
As reported by Maple Leafs daily -
Referee shows an outright abuse of power, assesses Bunting a ridiculous 10-minute misconduct
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