A huge controversy erupts the day after Toronto's defeat and their fans think it's rigged
The Maple Leafs are currently facing one of the toughest opponents in the first round of the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In addition to the pressure they have to get through the first round, we all know their history, and facing one of the best teams in recent years, the NHL has given them another challenge that was not necessary. Indeed, by appointing official Wes McCauley for the first game of the series, the league made a controversial move that may have even played against the Ontario organization.
If McCauley is known for his legendary calls on the ice, he is also known for not being on good terms with Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. Several aspects point in this direction; here they are:
-A few years ago, Keefe testified at a hearing against McCauley's brother-in-law, who is very close to him.
-Keefe was fined a few years ago for yelling at a referee. That referee was, you guessed it, Wes McCauley.
-The Lightning has not lost a game with McCauley on the ice this season, which is a very funny coincidence.
On Tuesday night, the first game of the series took place and ended with a crushing 7-3 victory for the Lightning against the Leafs. Even though McCauley was not the cause of this brutal defeat, it was enough for frustration to come out on the Toronto fans' side. Criticisms of the league and its choice of official immediately flooded social media.
It will be interesting to see the league's response in the coming days on this matter. Will McCauley still referee any of the Leafs' games during the current playoffs? A case to follow.
| POLL | ||
Do you think it was a bad decision by the NHL to put Wes McCauley there? | ||
| Yes | 411 | 55.5 % |
| No | 330 | 44.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
