Matthews and Tavares take the high road when asked about Game 6 officiating

Let's just get this out if the way right now. The Tampa Bay Lightning did not play a clean enough game to stay out of the penalty box in Game 6 and the officiating was absolutely horrendous. This isn't some sour grapes tirade against the officials simply because the Leafs lost. This was game management 101, and the Leafs were absolutely screwed by the officials.

Toronto was issued just 1 power play in the contest, but deserved several calls in their favour, including a pair of egregious non-calls in OT, as the Lightning seemed to be able to get away with murder in their own zone with the Leafs pressing. I present to you exhibit A:


Exhibit B took place a short time later just before the Tampa goal that ended the game, with Victor Hedman blatantly interfering with Michael Bunting near the Tampa net before the play came back the other way.


Bolts defenseman Cal Foote also sold a high-stick from David Kampf that led to the power play during which the Lightning tied the game. Clear embellishment here.


While the Leafs had every reason to put the officials on blast after the game, they chose the high road. Both Tavares and Matthews refused to respond to any questions about the officiating, instead, turning the focus to Game 7 where it belongs.



The Leafs may have gotten screwed by the officials in Game 6, but the series isn't over yet. Perhaps Saturday's officiating crew will be one who will call the plays that deserve to be called, much like we've seen throughout the series. Ignoring egregious infractions isn't something that every NHL official does. Unfortunately for the Leafs, the crew on Thursday night just came out with the intent of not doing their jobs.

Props to Matthews and Tavares for showing restraint after the game. Maybe it will earn them a little grace with the officials in Game 7, especially with what we saw Tampa get away with in Game 6.