During the playoffs, referees are under heavy scrutiny and pressure from fans, teams, and the League. Their decisions can affect game outcomes, and there are often suspicions about their ability to remain impartial.
This year, there is significant controversy over the NHL's selection of referees for the Finals, particularly Steve Kozari and Dan O'Rourke. Kozari has a history of making questionable calls against the Oilers. For O'Rourke, statistics show a striking pattern in Panthers' games: they almost always win when he officiates.
In the last 14 games O'Rourke refereed for the Panthers, they have a 13-0-1 record, including the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Oilers are 0-4 this postseason when O'Rourke is officiating, and the Panthers are 4-0.
O'Rourke and Kozari aren't the sole reasons why Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and the Oilers have struggled against Sergei Bobrovsky and the Panthers' defense. However, the numbers are clear.
