Referee selection for game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final sparks major controversy
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Marvin Azrak
Jun 18, 2024 (6:26 PM)
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Photo credit: X
Before tonight's Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, the NHL announced the referees, and fans are outraged about it.
The Panthers have a chance to clinch the Stanley Cup on home ice, holding a strong 3-1 lead in the series against the Oilers. Tonight's game at Amerant Bank Arena will be officiated by Dan O'Rourke and Steve Kozari, a choice that's causing quite a stir among fans.
Refs for @EdmontonOilers @FlaPanthers are Dan O'Rourke (#9) and Steve Kozari (#40). Tonight's officials: scoutingtherefs.com/2024/06/45628/
#EDMvsFLA #LetsGoOilers #TimeToHunt
#EDMvsFLA #LetsGoOilers #TimeToHunt
Why the frustration? The Panthers are undefeated this year with O'Rourke as the referee and have a solid 4-1 record with Kozari. Meanwhile, the Oilers are winless in all nine games officiated by either referee.
Edmonton is 0-5 when O'Rourke refs
Edmonton is 0-4 when Kozari refs
Florida is 5-0 when O'Rourke refs
Florida is 4-1 when Kozari refs
Not saying it is rigged but come on😬😬😬
Edmonton is 0-4 when Kozari refs
Florida is 5-0 when O'Rourke refs
Florida is 4-1 when Kozari refs
Not saying it is rigged but come on😬😬😬
As we gear up for tonight's game, the hope is that the referees won't influence the outcome and that we'll see fair play on the ice.
However, given the Panthers' track record with these officials, they seem to have a favorable edge. It sets them up nicely to make hockey history in Sunrise.
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