I go to the games to see the Montreal Canadiens play.
Don't get me wrong, I love hockey, but just like Football, I would rather watch NCAA football than any other team than my favorite team because there are no stars.

It's nice to see amazing goals such as the one Ovechkin scored this week, but It's not worth changing the rules around him.

Seeing Crosby get sneezed on and draw a penalty should not be part of the game.
- l3ig_l2ecl

This i can kind of agree with. There is a line where that ticky tack stuff needs to be let go no matter who is involved.

But i still hold to my point, i would rather the prices, subbans, pacioretty's be on the ice than off.

If the player lets the ref get in their head they don't deserve to be on the ice anyways. He acted like a cry baby and he should have been more worried about playing hockey than the mean names Watson called him.
- SayBeers

Suspend Prust for the rest of the series. I could give a poop less. He acted like an idiot. Deserved to get kicked out of the game.

Not sure why people keep bringing Prusts idiocy here. This is an issue with the referees thinking they can control the game. Makeup calls, soft calls on star players, non calls on players who embarrassed them. poop that doesn't need to be in the game

Oh this is just lovely - now we get to hear the 'you must have never played the game' and 'of course they whine they're the canadiens' narratives.



Nobody is defending prusts actions - and anybody who thinks refs should be able to verbally abuse players is nuts. Players get penalties if they do it...

Anyways this whole discussion is fairly pointless until we know what actually was said.

Oh this is just lovely - now we get to hear the 'you must have never played the game' and 'of course they whine they're the canadiens' narratives.



Nobody is defending prusts actions - and anybody who thinks refs should be able to verbally abuse players is nuts. Players get penalties if they do it...

Anyways this whole discussion is fairly pointless until we know what actually was said.
- DirtyDozen

There is obviously a line in which a ref should not cross. But if it takes putting the player in his place with a stern warning and a little poop talking, then by all means if i'm said player, in a playoff game, id prefer that to getting run out the game.

You have some good points here...but what you don't see in the video is what causes Watson to follow him into the box yelling at him.

Something set him off. To think that he just chased after him for no apparent reason is really small minded.
- StormCloud

Apparently he told Watson he thought that was a weak call.

Not the first time a player yaps at a ref after a call. Crosby does it all the time, I never saw him get another minor for unsportsmanlike conduct (he probably should get it).

The problem is that most of the game is called on what the ref feels like. I know these guys are not robots, but if you want to get rid of that problem you call that second one as soon as there is yapping. You can't play favorites, or call it different depending on who is the culprit.

Apparently he told Watson he thought that was a weak call.

Not the first time a player yaps at a ref after a call. Crosby does it all the time, I never saw him get another minor for unsportsmanlike conduct (he probably should get it).

The problem is that most of the game is called on what the ref feels like. I know these guys are not robots, but if you want to get rid of that problem you call that second one as soon as there is yapping. You can't play favorites, or call it different depending on who is the culprit.
- stinger67

Do you really think that's all that was said? Please. Watson is a veteran NHL official who is working the 2nd round of the playoffs. He did not get there by flipping out any time a player said it was a weak call.

My guess is there were numerous conversations between Prust and the officials that game. Prust chose to ignore what was being warned to him and crossed the line. Then after complaining and probably saying some "not so nice things" Watson went back at him. It happens ALL THE TIME but the only time is gets brought up in the media is by a Montreal Canadien and there must be blood...

The officiating in today's NHL is a joke amongst pro sports. A penalty is a penalty every time. Can you imagine a baseball umpire not calling a strike because he dislikes the pitcher? After 25 years of watching hockey, I finally called it quits this week. Why bother watching it? The rules don't matter.
- GalacticStone

so you're team is up 2-0 in the second round and you're giving up on watching hockey now?

makes sense.

Do you really think that's all that was said? Please. Watson is a veteran NHL official who is working the 2nd round of the playoffs. He did not get there by flipping out any time a player said it was a weak call.

My guess is there were numerous conversations between Prust and the officials that game. Prust chose to ignore what was being warned to him and crossed the line. Then after complaining and probably saying some "not so nice things" Watson went back at him. It happens ALL THE TIME but the only time is gets brought up in the media is by a Montreal Canadien and there must be blood...
- Stripes77

told you this was coming haha - blame the team because they of course only sign crybabies and whiners. They probably encourage their players to go to the media with this!

I would be curious to know how you know this happens all the time though - i personally have never seen a ref go at a player. I've seen lots of times when the refs talk to someone or kick them out but i havent seen a ref go at a guy like that.

There is no reason to defend the refs actions any more than there is to defend Prusts. If it all happened as is being reported both are idiots.

What you fail to realize is you're the one who is so wrong.

We're the customers, the players are the employees. The NHL is the product.
The referees? They're the ones who send the guideline PDF that your boss makes you sign once a year. they don't talk, they just send an email.

Seriously, I've never seen a sports fan who accepts the referee to be part of the game they watch. They are there to blow a whistle and enforce a rule book.
Maybe they should make a new sport for you. One where you actually cheer for the referees...
- l3ig_l2ecl

The refs are their employees as well and that's something you fail to see. Refs are a human beings not some computer program. There is a reason certain officials work the playoffs and others don't. They aren't all designed the same. You're so clueless its hilarious that you think refs are there to be apart of the game. They are there to enforce the rules, part of enforcing the rules is developing a working relationship with the players and coaches. No player wants to talk to a robot.

Better yet go to a seminar and read the Hockey Canada rule book and put on the stripes for a few games and call the rule EXACTLY how its written and see if you can handle what crap is thrown your way.

told you this was coming haha - blame the team because they of course only sign crybabies and whiners. They probably encourage their players to go to the media with this!

I would be curious to know how you know this happens all the time though - i personally have never seen a ref go at a player. I've seen lots of times when the refs talk to someone or kick them out but i havent seen a ref go at a guy like that.

There is no reason to defend the refs actions any more than there is to defend Prusts. If it all happened as is being reported both are idiots.
- DirtyDozen

There are plenty of videos of refs giving it to coaches and players. It's never brought up in the media though. Do a simple google search.

You are obviously missing the point. I do not think the Canadiens only get players who complain. It's the fact that if any other fan base would be all up in arms about this they would look like morons yet the Habs fans are fighting back.

Do you really think that's all that was said? Please. Watson is a veteran NHL official who is working the 2nd round of the playoffs. He did not get there by flipping out any time a player said it was a weak call.

My guess is there were numerous conversations between Prust and the officials that game. Prust chose to ignore what was being warned to him and crossed the line. Then after complaining and probably saying some "not so nice things" Watson went back at him. It happens ALL THE TIME but the only time is gets brought up in the media is by a Montreal Canadien and there must be blood...
- Stripes77

Not at all, but there is so much around refereeing a game of hockey that is based on judgment, or even how a ref feels like towards a certain situation, or a certain player. It seems that some have a shorter leash than others, or even that refs hold grudges against some.

I would just like them to call the game like it's supposed to. Why do rules change as soon as the playoffs start? There are times when it turns into a circus and it really looks like the referee wants to give the show. That's all.

There are plenty of videos of refs giving it to coaches and players. It's never brought up in the media though. Do a simple google search.

You are obviously missing the point. I do not think the Canadiens only get players who complain. It's the fact that if any other fan base would be all up in arms about this they would look like morons yet the Habs fans are fighting back.
- Stripes77

I have seen lots of examples of dicsussions sometimes more animated than others - but i cannot find one example of when a ref calls a coach or player the list of names that prust is claiming. Whether because it wasnt reported or it didnt happen is up for debate as a simple google search isnt that enlightening.

And honestly i think it is you that is missing the point here...Canadiens fans as evidenced on this thread and their own are not fighting back. I have yet to see one who defends Prusts antics or thinks that he was unfairly penalized throughout the game (maybe a few think his second on the double minor may be unjust).

The argument is not habs fans vs everyone else as you seem to paint it. It is those who believe the refs should not be allowed to speak to players that way vs the ones that think its no big deal. I'm of the camp that a ref should not be goaded into that kind of action - he doesnt like the way a player speaks penalize him. Does it again give him 10 minutes. Dont react like he allegedly did.

Not at all, but there is so much around refereeing a game of hockey that is based on judgment, or even how a ref feels like towards a certain situation, or a certain player. It seems that some have a shorter leash than others, or even that refs hold grudges against some.

I would just like them to call the game like it's supposed to. Why do rules change as soon as the playoffs start? There are times when it turns into a circus and it really looks like the referee wants to give the show. That's all.
- stinger67

Because that's how the league wants it called. The way a game is called is based on a league set standard not how the official wants the game to be called. They set standards for their refs and that's how its called. Just like how the 05-06 season saw penalties galore the league wanted it loosened up and less infractions called.

I have seen lots of examples of dicsussions sometimes more animated than others - but i cannot find one example of when a ref calls a coach or player the list of names that prust is claiming. Whether because it wasnt reported or it didnt happen is up for debate as a simple google search isnt that enlightening.

And honestly i think it is you that is missing the point here...Canadiens fans as evidenced on this thread and their own are not fighting back. I have yet to see one who defends Prusts antics or thinks that he was unfairly penalized throughout the game (maybe a few think his second on the double minor may be unjust).

The argument is not habs fans vs everyone else as you seem to paint it. It is those who believe the refs should not be allowed to speak to players that way vs the ones that think its no big deal. I'm of the camp that a ref should not be goaded into that kind of action - he doesnt like the way a player speaks penalize him. Does it again give him 10 minutes. Dont react like he allegedly did.
- DirtyDozen

Then you will see a lot of players getting tossed out of games. It is a give and take on the ice between player and official and coach and official. If every official called it like you said there would be at least 2 or 3 players a night thrown out.

There are plenty of videos of refs giving it to coaches and players. It's never brought up in the media though. Do a simple google search.

You are obviously missing the point. I do not think the Canadiens only get players who complain. It's the fact that if any other fan base would be all up in arms about this they would look like morons yet the Habs fans are fighting back.
- Stripes77

In 2005-06, there was 39435 penalty minutes called.
this year there has been 23820 penalty minutes.

60% less this year vs 2005-06.

A small amount has to do with the fact that people adjusted to the no hood BS, but the majority of it is Refs took over and decided what they will call vs. not call.

125 points was the top scorer that year. 87 was it this year by Jamie (frank)ing Benn....

The refs are failing to do their jobs. It's ruining the game.

Then you will see a lot of players getting tossed out of games. It is a give and take on the ice between player and official and coach and official. If every official called it like you said there would be at least 2 or 3 players a night thrown out.
- Stripes77

Not if good judgement was used - clearly watson did not exercise good judgement last night and instead of just penalizing prust and giving him an extra 10 if he continued to complain he decided to insult the player and compromise his integrity as a referee (at least in that game).

I have seen lots of examples of dicsussions sometimes more animated than others - but i cannot find one example of when a ref calls a coach or player the list of names that prust is claiming. Whether because it wasnt reported or it didnt happen is up for debate as a simple google search isnt that enlightening.

And honestly i think it is you that is missing the point here...Canadiens fans as evidenced on this thread and their own are not fighting back. I have yet to see one who defends Prusts antics or thinks that he was unfairly penalized throughout the game (maybe a few think his second on the double minor may be unjust).

The argument is not habs fans vs everyone else as you seem to paint it. It is those who believe the refs should not be allowed to speak to players that way vs the ones that think its no big deal. I'm of the camp that a ref should not be goaded into that kind of action - he doesnt like the way a player speaks penalize him. Does it again give him 10 minutes. Dont react like he allegedly did.
- DirtyDozen

+100. That is exactly the issue here, and people keep trying to derail the debate by talking about Prust actions or fanbases or whatever.

Then you will see a lot of players getting tossed out of games. It is a give and take on the ice between player and official and coach and official. If every official called it like you said there would be at least 2 or 3 players a night thrown out.
- Stripes77

then they (the players) would quickly learn...

In 2005-06, there was 39435 penalty minutes called.
this year there has been 23820 penalty minutes.

60% less this year vs 2005-06.

A small amount has to do with the fact that people adjusted to the no hood BS, but the majority of it is Refs took over and decided what they will call vs. not call.

125 points was the top scorer that year. 87 was it this year by Jamie (frank)ing Benn....

The refs are failing to do their jobs. It's ruining the game.
- l3ig_l2ecl

That is INCORRECT. Do you think if the league wanted those called and the refs decided not to call them they would still be employed? If your boss wanted you to complete a project one way and you continually did it your way you would still have a job? Come on now. The LEAGUE sets the penalty standards the refs follow it. If you want to blame someone blame the league not the refs who WORK FOR the league.

Not if good judgement was used - clearly watson did not exercise good judgement last night and instead of just penalizing prust and giving him an extra 10 if he continued to complain he decided to insult the player and compromise his integrity as a referee (at least in that game).
- DirtyDozen

Again you're going by what Prust said. Insult please? He probably said something like hey if you keep acting like a bleeping a$$hole I will throw you out. I didn't know that's insulting.

However IF he did in fact say what Prust said he said he should get fined and probably fired. But the fact this happened in the media is my issue. He is deflecting blame for his actions on a ref who scolded him.

then they (the players) would quickly learn...
- mehetmet

Or the league would make the refs change what to call just like they did a few years after the lockout

That is INCORRECT. Do you think if the league wanted those called and the refs decided not to call them they would still be employed? If your boss wanted you to complete a project one way and you continually did it your way you would still have a job? Come on now. The LEAGUE sets the penalty standards the refs follow it. If you want to blame someone blame the league not the refs who WORK FOR the league.
- Stripes77

So that's why some games have 15 penalties and other games 2.... The league wont act until they see revenues go down. It hasn't gotten to that point yet. It has gradually gone worst from year to year. You can make a chart and you will see the line go down.

If you really want to believe the league wants less and less goals, that's your call. I highly doubt that. May it be a combination of both, what ever. The refs shouldn't make that call and it's obvious they do.

In 2005-06, there was 39435 penalty minutes called.
this year there has been 23820 penalty minutes.

60% less this year vs 2005-06.

A small amount has to do with the fact that people adjusted to the no hood BS, but the majority of it is Refs took over and decided what they will call vs. not call.

125 points was the top scorer that year. 87 was it this year by Jamie (frank)ing Benn....

The refs are failing to do their jobs. It's ruining the game.
- l3ig_l2ecl

You seem to miss the point on this. The refs jobs are to enforce the rulebook, but they are told by the NHL how to enforce said rulebook. What should and what shouldn't be called.

Now i will admit that i don't know this first hand, i know this from reading what former refs in the league have openly stated. I will trust the handful of guys who have come out and told us that the league itself tells them how to call the games.

Please stop blaming the refs for the GMs+owners getting what they want.

So that's why some games have 15 penalties and other games 2.... The league wont act until they see revenues go down. It hasn't gotten to that point yet. It has gradually gone worst from year to year. You can make a chart and you will see the line go down.

If you really want to believe the league wants less and less goals, that's your call. I highly doubt that. May it be a combination of both, what ever. The refs shouldn't make that call and it's obvious they do.
- l3ig_l2ecl

Your argument of some games having 15 penalties and some having 2 holds no water. Like it doesn't matter what two teams are on the ice. I have called a game where I have called 2 penalties I have also called a game where I have called 18. The 2 teams on the ice have more to do with the amount of penalties than the guy in stripes does.

Every year there is a standard of play video shown at the college level. What they want called and what should be carefully called. This also happens at the NHL level.

Again you're going by what Prust said. Insult please? He probably said something like hey if you keep acting like a bleeping a$$hole I will throw you out. I didn't know that's insulting.

However IF he did in fact say what Prust said he said he should get fined and probably fired. But the fact this happened in the media is my issue. He is deflecting blame for his actions on a ref who scolded him.
- Stripes77

Yeah but again, nobody is defending Prust here. The issue we are arguing is the referee behaviour. And I'm pretty sure Prust didn't make all those insults up. With all the microphones in the rink nowadays and the inquiry that should follow from the NHL, you can't just make that up out of thin air and go public with it if there is no truth behind it.

You can see in the video that the ref look irate with all the finger pointing 1 inch from Prust face. You really thinks he more likely said something like "hey please stop acting like that" instead of what Prust quoted ? Really ?