Sutherland has a reputation for being one of the worst referees in the entire NHL. He has a long history of questionable calls, including many involving the Canucks. In fact, the team has an 0-7-1 record in their last eight games where Sutherland was an official. Just a coincidence? Perhaps. Not all fans agree. One in particular, thinks Sutherland was sent in to save the Oilers season.
That being said, there has been a lot of debate about Sutherland online. Most fans seem to agree that he is simply a bad referee. That does not necessarily mean that the league is rigging games by sending him in though.
Part of the Canucks fanbase online is attempting to change the narrative surrounding Sutherland as they do not want any excuses. At the end of the day, it is the team's job to go out there and win, regardless of who is wearing the strips for that particular game.
