An NHL referee is accused, and it's serious

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David St-Jean
May 13, 2024 (6:34 PM)

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Photo credit: Youtube

Just like the Canadiens had their history with Kerry Fraser in the past and Chris Lee today, the Vancouver Canucks have their nemesis named Kevin Sutherland.

He has a reputation for being detrimental to the Canucks, to the extent that a rather unflattering statistic has emerged.

"Everyone has heard stories about Sutherland's opinion about the Canucks because he doesn't hide it during the off-season.

When Tony G talks about the NHL trying to 'manage' series this is what he means.

Drai is hurt. McDavid is invisible so Sutherland gets sent in."

"Canucks 0-7-1 in the last 8 games reffed by Sutherland."

It's true that it's very frustrating when you feel like your nemesis is refereeing the game. As a Canadiens fan, when I learn that Chris Lee will be there, I know the players are facing two opponents.

"His alleged bias against the Canadiens is well-documented. A user did some research two years ago and found that the Canadiens suffer a 13% increase in penalty minutes per game when he referees. Their winning percentage over 100 games decreased by 8.22% while Lee was on the ice."

Nevertheless, I don't believe it's colluded with the guy in charge. Not in 2024. It's just a coincidence, but referees are professionals, and I don't believe they show favoritism.

Previously on All Habs

Kent Hughes blunder: he is about to fix his mistake

Major: Kent Hughes about to add a formidable goal scorer

Suspension and fine: Connor McDavid got hit hard in the face

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13 MAI \| 422 ANSWERS An NHL referee is accused, and it's serious In your opinion, do certain referees show favoritism towards certain NHL teams?
Yes	386	91.5 %
No	36	8.5 %
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