The Dallas Stars were not given many penalties earlier in the series, which the Edmonton Oilers had complained about. However, last night, Ryan Suter was given an awful penalty for touching Connor McDavid by the refs.
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.
