There’s a lot to like about the referees in the NHL. They’re not prudes, and once in a while, they go viral on social media after saying something funny on the ice or even chirping players. The best example of this is the beloved Wes McCauley, known for his dramatic calls and penalty announcement.
During last night’s game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New Jersey Devils, referee Graham Skilliter got some attention on social media after saying the F-Word to Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
The Devils opened the scoring only one minute into the first period, after a scrum around Merzlikins. The goalie was confident that he had the puck, but the referee didn’t have any of it and signaled for a goal. Merzlikins turned to the referee in anger, but Skilliter quickly responded.
” You never had it. You never f*ing had it,” said the referee.
Merzlikins got the last laugh, however, as he made 30 saves in Tuesday’s 4-3 win. The Blue Jackets have now won 10 of their last 14, with Merzlikins having 19 wins this season.
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