Arena to Arena ... is there a level playing surface?

Last night the Ottawa Senators played in the city of the Ducks; they lost to the tune of 3-1. The big story wasn't how the Ducks played or how the Senators were robbed by J.S. Giguere, but rather that the Ottawa Senators bench boss was ejected from the game late in the third period. Bryan Murray was absolutely ticked off with with how the game was being officiated and this sentiment has been echoed in the media before.

Gord Wilson (colour commentator for the Ottawa Senators on SportsNet and/or Team 1200 broadcasts) echoed the fans on a televised broadcast just recently when he questioned the officiating. He again did the same on a radio broadcast a few days later when he brought up Stephane Auger's persistence to call an often tighter than tight game. As a fan, I have felt quite miffed at the officiating that seems to go against my team, but I truly don't think it is the referees against the Ottawa Senators, but I do believe that there is a lot of inconsistency.

Depending on which Arena you are in and which officials are picked for the game the outcome can be vastly different. The officials for the NHL are not only there to provide a fair and neutral playing surface for the players, but I believe they are there to ensure fairness to help keep fans interested. Last night was a tough game to watch for the Sens fans not only because of the lateness of the game, but because the Senators were bullied into the ice with cross-checking, boarding and hits from behind that all went uncalled. There simply is no consistency with officials in the NHL city to city.

Bryan Murray wanted to talk to the league about the officiating and with his ejection from the game last night he will certainly have the chance. If the NHL wants to continue to grow they must flatten the playing surface with the referees and ensure that what is called in Ottawa is called in Detroit. What is a cross-check in Montreal is a cross-check in Los Angles.