However, in recent times, McCauley's calls have become increasingly controversial, leading to frustration from fans and players alike. In today's Game 4 between the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes, which saw the Hurricanes clinch a 5-2 victory and take a commanding 3-1 series lead, McCauley once again found himself at the center of attention.
In the first period of the game, Hurricanes defender Brent Burns delivered a dangerous cross check to Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, sending him crashing headfirst into the boards.
Burns to the box for cross-checking, Barzal for embellishment, thoughts? pic.twitter.com/DNhkCDfVh8� Nathan «Grav" (@NathanGraviteh) April 23, 2023
McCauley saw this as a dive by Mat Barzal, so instead of the Islanders getting a powerplay out of this dangerous play by Brent Burns, they were both given a penalty.
Wes McCauley calling Barzal for embellishment is him wanting to call Burns for the legitimate cross-check and being blatantly too scared to give the Isles a 5-on-3. Says everything about officiating culture in the NHL https://t.co/Uk8vqZVNXm� Kenny P. (@kennyp1021) April 23, 2023
POLL | ||
23 AVRIL | 70 ANSWERS Fans MAD as Wes McCauley makes controversial call SHould this have been a penalty? | ||
yes | 36 | 51.4 % |
no | 34 | 48.6 % |
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