New York Islanders Winner and Losers from Opening Week

Losers: Referees

On two sperate occasions, John Tavares has had his hands slashed. And on both occasions, the offending player received no penalty.

We all know winter is coming. We’ve all seen Game of Thrones. But the insistence that players use their sticks like lumberjacks against anyone needs to stop. 

I rarely call for self-policing in the NHL. I don’t think fighting has a place in today’s game. But when officiating is absent and a player is being targetted like Tavares is, perhaps some extra-curricular attention is required. 

Referees are empowered to make the types of calls that would otherwise disincentivize this type of activity. But it’s been twice now. Take notice referees.

Like one of the Eyes on Isles writers said in our inter-staff emails, our captain and star is likely injured because of these unpunished infractions.

So to all the refs out there undoubtedly reading this: You, referees, have a duty to spot this and stamp it out. We all know that you can’t see everything all the time. But there are four of you out there. Sticks should remain at ice level no matter the circumstance. You’ve been given the power to punish slashing when it occurs, now ensure you do so.