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Controversial last-minute NHL announcement has Leafs fans screaming scandal

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Elias Adaime
May 7, 2023  (12:37)
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In the last few moments, the National Hockey League made a controversial announcement just hours before the highly anticipated game number three, which will take place tonight between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers.

"Referees Wes McCauley and Dan O'Rourke get the call for Leafs/Panthers Game 3 tonight in Sunrise." - Chris Johnston, Sportsnet

An announcement that immediately sparked a storm of reactions. Why is it controversial?

Leafs fans are crying scandal for two reasons, which are related to each other.

First, they are absolutely unable to win a playoff game with McCauley as the referee:

Secondly, let's recall the well-documented history between McCauley and Sheldon Keefe, who is obviously the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

McCauley is known for not being on good terms with head coach Keefe, partly because a few years ago, Keefe testified in a hearing against McCauley's brother-in-law, who is very close to him.

A hearing with very serious accusations.

Keefe was also fined a few years ago for yelling at a referee.

That referee was, you guessed it, Wes McCauley.

So, a large number of Leafs fans are reacting to the announcement on social media:

If you want our opinion, it looks more like fans looking for an excuse (in advance) in case of defeat.

However, we blame the NHL for putting McCauley in such a position.

Imagine the scandal if he gives bad penalties to the Leafs or makes a controversial decision that hurts Toronto. It could happen and it's part of the "game," but it's certain that it would cause a scandal among Maple Leafs fans.

That said, we are convinced that McCauley will be 100% impartial and that Toronto fans are exaggerating this story. However, it's unfortunate that the NHL put McCauley in this precarious position.

Couldn't he have simply refereed the Hurricanes vs. Devils game?

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Controversial last-minute NHL announcement has Leafs fans screaming scandal

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