Before tonight's Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, the NHL announced the referees, and fans are outraged about it.
The Panthers have a chance to clinch the Stanley Cup on home ice, holding a strong 3-1 lead in the series against the Oilers. Tonight's game at Amerant Bank Arena will be officiated by Dan O'Rourke and Steve Kozari, a choice that's causing quite a stir among fans.
Why the frustration? The Panthers are undefeated this year with O'Rourke as the referee and have a solid 4-1 record with Kozari. Meanwhile, the Oilers are winless in all nine games officiated by either referee.
However, given the Panthers' track record with these officials, they seem to have a favorable edge. It sets them up nicely to make hockey history in Sunrise.