Ryan Suter gets penalty for just touching Connor McDavid

Rugged defender Ryan Suter plays each shift as if it's his last. The defender gives his opponents a hard time, making them reconsider joining him in a corner. Suter was given a penalty tonight that, given the circumstances, maybe shouldn't have been given, particularly in the playoffs.

The NHL, at best, provides inconsistent officiating; tonight was just another instance of that. In the corner, Suter engages in his signature physical style of play alongside Connor McDavid. The referee behind the net calls a penalty when Sutter is delivering a shot to McDavid.

The referee decided not to call the retaliation even though a furious McDavid sent Suter a hard cross check during the play. To be honest, none of these players' actions in a crucial playoff game really rise to the level of what ought to happen in order for a penalty to be called. This seems like simply another instance of a player of McDavid's skill being given preferential treatment.