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Craig Berube Blasts NHL Officiating During the Game vs. the Washington Capitals

Originally posted on Hockey Patrol | By Chris Gerics | Last updated Dec 7, 2024 12:55 AM ET

In what is starting to feel like a weekly occurrence, the Toronto Maple Leafs were on the receiving end of some pretty awful refereeing vs. the Capitals on Friday.

During Friday's game against the Washington Capitals, it was not one of Toronto's best games but their loss wasn't necessarily reflected on the scoresheet. While they lost 3-1, it wasn't just from Washington overpowering them.

In what could be starting to be a pattern, Toronto was given no leeway and no breaks when it came to the officiating in the game, with not only several questionable calls, but a kicked puck that directly lead to the game winning goal.

Craig Berube's Fiery Tirade Against The Referees

It was a bold display from the officiating crew, and it's something Toronto has unfortunately felt the sting of all too well this season. It irked Craig Berube something fierce, with the Leafs bench boss losing his marbles on the refs due to another bad take.

The animated Berube was relaying to the referee as kindly as possible that he had two terrible calls, and it's hard to argue when the penalties are very questionable such as Oliver Ekman-Larsson's slashing minor.

Not to mention earlier in the game when Ekman-Larsson was called for a very feint high stick that Tom Wilson sold like he had been shot.

Ekman-Larsson's reaction to the call says it all too, as the veteran defender was none too pleased.

In total, the Maple Leafs ended up with four penalties to Washington's two and it's a question of whether the team isn't disciplined enough, or a product of some bad officiating.

Superstar William Nylander wasn't happy, and had a sarcastic smirk as he went over to give the refs a piece of his mind as well:

This happened earlier in the season when Zach Whitecloud wasn't penalized for injuring Matthew Knies, but get a double minor from an exaggerated high stick.

Craig Berube has a right to be frustrated, as Toronto at times feels like they are playing both the opponents and the referees.

The team will look to rebound from their tough loss on Saturday night as they take on Sidney Crosby and the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins.

FAQ: Craig Berube Unleashes Verbal Assault Due To Bad Refereeing

Q1: Why did Craig Berube get upset with the referees?

A1: Craig Berube had some words for the officials during the game against Washington due to his belief the officials missed two bad calls giving Toronto a disadvantage, as well as being directly involved in Washington's game-winning goal.

Q2: Do the referees hate Toronto?

A2: There's no concrete evidence that states the officials are more biased against the Maple Leafs than other teams, however the circumstantial evidence shows that perhaps the team is looked at under more scrutiny than others in the NHL.

This article first appeared on Hockey Patrol and was syndicated with permission.

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