Canadiens stars furious with referees, could face NHL action after loss to Oilers
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - USA Today Sports
Montreal Canadiens players were furious with the referees after their loss to the Oilers, and it may lead to league action.
The Edmonton Oilers scored three straight goals to beat the Habs with the help of 5 straight powerplays. The Canadiens were raging against the referees so directly after the game, they'll likely be fined.
Two penalty calls in particular cost the Canadiens last night: Slafkovsky's boarding call against Emberson, and Anderson's unsportsmanlike conduct.
Edmonton Oilers complete comeback win over Canadiens
Early into the 3rd period, Juraj Slafkovksy was called for a boarding penalty that had the Habs bench immediately up in arms.
As Draisaitl scored on the powerplay later in the period, Josh Anderson was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the goal horn.
It's assumed that Anderson was directing some extreme criticism at the ref.
The Oilers were able to complete the comeback and tie the game in the ensuing powerplay. Then with just over a minute to go, Podkolzin had the dagger to give the Oilers a lead.
Canadiens players post game reaction may warrant NHL fines
After the game, multiple Habs players said the game got away from them due to refereeing.
Cole Caufield called out the referees most directly and actually blamed them for the loss entirely. That's against NHL rules, and should earn a fine.
»Refs kind of took over the game there and kudos to them for winning it."
- Cole Caufield
- Cole Caufield
Brenden Gallagher explained the Habs' grievances in more depth, saying their frustration went back to Slafkovksy's penalty.
Anderson had an emotional response, but Gallagher thought a penalty call for unsportsmanlike conduct was too much.
At the end of all this drama, the Oilers will be happy just to take the 2 points - but there could be more incoming news from the NHL about last night's incidents.
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