Referee admits he let the Florida Panthers get away with a penalty on a hot mic

NHL referees are held to very high standards to keep playing conditions for both teams fair and equal. Today a new hot mic that was caught overhears a referee allowing the Florida Panthers to get away with a penalty during the Eastern Conference Finals.

The play in question shows referee Steve Kozari telling Matthew Tkachuk to give Alexis Lafreniere a shove in the back after Alexis Lafreniere shoved him first. Matthew Tkachuk does as the referee says shoving the Rangers forward and they all have a laugh.

While it seems this was done more as a joke with all sides understanding that there was no favoritism at play it does begin a conversation about the power referees have over a game. If Steve Kozari would have not flat out said this but allowed Matthew Tkachuk to take a shot at Alexis Lafreniere in the course of the game it could have caused more issues. This will be soemthing to warch for the Stanley Cup Finals as well as Steve Kozari is one of the referees working the series.

If the officiating during the Stanley Cup Finals comes into question on the Edmonton Oilers side or the Florida Panthers side this could be a moment to point back to. As of now the Florida Panthers hold a 1-0 series lead after their win last night.

Source: Blade of Steel - Veteran referee caught on hot mic telling Panthers they're allowed to retaliate