NHL Referee Kelly Sutherland accused of fixing multiple games
The NHL referee Kelly Sutherland was accused of fixing multiple games since the playoffs started and in the regular season as well.
Every calls matter in the playoffs. When teams with strong powerplays get the chance to play at 5-on-4, it can change the outcome of the game.
As you know, referees can't see everything that's happening on the ice. However, many fans have called out the ref Kelly Sutherland for multiple bad calls made against the same team: the Vancouver Canucks.
The Richmond-based ref is one of the most controversial figures in the Canucks' fanbase.
Back in 2011, he officiated three games in the Stanley Cup Finals between Vancouver and Boston. The Bruins ended up winning the Stanley Cup and the Canucks lost two of the three games with Sutherland.
An incident involving Brad Marchand and Daniel Sedin is still fresh in the fans' memories:
"You might remember Boston Bruin Brad Marchand using Daniel Sedin's head as a speedbag, later explaining that he repeatedly punched the Canuck star in the head because 'I felt like it.'
Sutherland was right there in the middle. Sedin asked Sutherland why he wasn't calling a penalty. Sutherland responded with 'I will,' causing Sedin to respond with 'When—after the fifth punch?'
True to his word, Sutherland then gave Sedin a 10-minute misconduct for being punched repeatedly in the head."
Sutherland doesn't like the Canucks and the NHL wants Connor McDavid to win. The choice was easy:
"Everyone has heard stories about Sutherland's opinion about the Canucks because he doesn't hide it during the off-season.
When Tony G talks about the NHL trying to "manage" series this is what he means.
Drai is hurt. McDavid is invisible so Sutherland gets sent in."
Indeed, the Oilers got away with a lot of things that should've been penalized:
Quinn Hughes received a high stick from McDavid, but no call was made:
Then, the Oilers ended up on a powerplay after a major hit on Canucks' Ryan Suter:
Fans can't believe he's even actually allowed near the Canucks' arena:
Sutherland has a lot of experience in the NHL. He worked in over 1500 games, and many other important championships.
Unfortunately, his bias is as clear as it can get.
Do you think the NHL should fire the referee Kelly Sutherland?
| POLL |
11 MAI | 611 ANSWERS NHL Referee Kelly Sutherland accused of fixing multiple games Do you think the NHL should fire the referee Kelly Sutherland? |
| Yes | 475 | 77.7 % |
| No | 136 | 22.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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