Breaking news: Bruins General Manager chastises NHL referees and player safety department
Breaking news: Bruins General Manager chastises NHL referees and player safety department
General Manager Don Sweeney expressed his displeasure with NHL officials and the Department of Player Safety in no uncertain terms, as the Boston Bruins face a daunting 3-1 deficit against the Florida Panthers in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Sweeney expressed his dissatisfaction and demanded greater responsibility from the league’s officiating staff after a contentious game four loss in which Florida’s Sam Bennett scored a crucial goal in the third period despite a review for interference.
Sweeney stressed, “We shouldn’t be questioning the coach about the officiating after the game.”
He pushed for authorities to respond directly to questions about controversial calls, including supervisors and NHL Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom.
Bruins players Charlie Coyle, Jeremy Swayman, and head coach Jim Montgomery were left to analyze the contentious play during the post-game talks, which infuriated Sweeney. On the other hand, NHL officials continued to be shielded from public view.
Sweeney insisted, “Put the officials in front of the microphone to answer the question if you want full access and transparency.”
Sweeney’s criticism of the NHL’s Department of Player Safety extended beyond officiating. Given that Bruins captain Brad Marchand left Game 3 after getting into a fight with Bennett, Sweeney underlined the department’s responsibility to protect players.
Sweeney pushed the department to make its position clear, citing a fresh perspective on the incident that was made public during a TNT pregame broadcast.
Sweeney demanded clarification from the Department of Player Safety as the NHL’s interpretation remained the same in spite of the availability of different viewpoints, including the recently discovered footage.
“It is their duty and obligation to safeguard the players,” Sweeney declared, emphasizing the necessity of uniform and open implementation of player safety policies.
