Wes McCauley is one of the NHL’s most well-liked and experienced referees. He’s known for his hilarious jokes and for always putting on a show when he’s on the hot mic, but he’s also great at simply refereeing, and he’s earned so much respect over the years from players and coaches.
But now, he’s under fire for one decision during Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights.
Game 4 was tight and entertaining, and late in the third period, Vegas found themself in a 3-2 lead. In the first 59 minutes of the game, only one penalty was called. And in the last minutes, fans were shocked by McCauley’s refereeing.
When the Florida Panthers pushed for an equalizer in the game, Vegas goalie Edin Hill fell to the ice. There wasn’t enough contact to call a goalie interference, and that was Wes McCauley’s thought also. But McCauley still blew the play dead without calling a penalty.
Seemingly, he did it for no apparent reason, and fans were outraged.
Shortly after McCauley blew his whistle, Matthew Tkachuk received a vicious cross-check on his back. But there wasn’t a penalty called.
Some fans on Twitter even suggested that the game was rigged, with how McCauley blew the whistle for no apparent reason when the Panthers were on momentum to tie the game 3-3.
”Watch this and tell me the NHL isn’t rigged,” one Tweet that gained a lot of attention said.
And many agreed with it, and fans on social media weren’t happy.
”I feel for you and the Panthers fans man. This is what the Stars went through last series with the officiating only benefiting Vegas,” one said.
”The NHL is rigged. Momentum taken away from Florida,” another said.
”It’s been clear all series that Bettman wants Vegas to win. Refs are just enforcing his direction,” a third added.
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