NHL orders the officials to crack down on diving ahead of Game 5
Officiating has become a controversy in the first-round series between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals and the NHL is attempting to get it under control.
Ahead of Game 5 tonight at Capital One Arena, the league has reportedly issued a mandate to its officials and it's to closely monitor diving and exaggerated reactions.
It's the second straight game that such a directive has been handed down but the execution during Game 4 at the Bell Centre left many disappointed and frustrated.
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis hinted at that disappointment in his pre-game comments.
"It's tough.
I'll choose my words carefully, but it's difficult to watch some of those calls.
One of the mandates (from the NHL) was to keep an eye on calls for exaggerated reactions."
I'll choose my words carefully, but it's difficult to watch some of those calls.
One of the mandates (from the NHL) was to keep an eye on calls for exaggerated reactions."
Martin St. Louis's frustration stems partly from incidents involving Capitals forward Tom Wilson who has been criticized for his theatrical embellishments and none of which drew penalties.
Despite the NHL's previous warning, no calls were made for diving or embellishment in Game 4 which was further fueling calls and now, with the Capitals up 3-1 in the series and a chance to eliminate the Canadiens on home ice, all eyes will once again be on the stripes.
Game 5 promises to be emotional and hard-fought and how the officials manage the game could play a major role in determining whether Montreal stays alive or Washington advances.
Will the mandate actually be enforced tonight?
The NHL certainly hopes so, so are the fans.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Previously on Washington Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 30 | 43 ANSWERS NHL orders the officials to crack down on diving ahead of Game 5 Do you think the Washington Capitals will eliminate the Montreal Canadiens tonight? | ||
| Yes | 40 | 93 % |
| No | 3 | 7 % |
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