Hot mic incident in Red Wings-Predators game looks like serious problem for NHL

Detroit Free Press

Juuse Saros’ shutout definitely wasn’t the most memorable part of the Nashville Predators’ 2-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena.

That came during the second period. Someone – it appeared to be a game referee – made candid, explicit comments that were captured by a live microphone as the Predators’ television broadcast was going into a commercial.

A couple of minutes after the Predators’ Viktor Arvidsson was whistled for a rather soft tripping penalty, these words made it anonymously onto the air before being cut off: “It wasn’t much, but I wanted to get a (expletive) penalty against Nashville early in the …”

A necessary disclaimer before digging in: I don’t know for sure who said this. It’s certainly fair to assume a referee (Tim Peel and Kelly Sutherland were assigned to the game) would be talking about calling a penalty, but that’s just an assumption.

Everyone could hear it, though.

TRENDING: Red Wings great Dino Ciccarelli didn’t hate Scotty Bowman, wishes he won Cups

READ: Dennis Cholowski doesn’t worry about what Red Wings think. Here’s why

So it’s time to explain yourself, NHL. If what happened was as it appeared, you have a serious problem on your hands.

Why would referees have wanted to penalize the Predators? Maybe it was just a make-up call. Maybe it was more sinister in terms of dictating the direction – or even the outcome – of a game. Why? The fact we don’t know invites wild speculation, none of it pleasant for a major pro sports league.

True or not, anyone – coaches, players, fans – who has ever thought the fix was in during hockey games now has reason to suspect there really is some agenda behind how NHL games are called.

Later Tuesday, the Predators had a goal disallowed on a Red Wings challenge. Based on those earlier comments, people had to wonder if that was on the level.

The NHL simply can’t have the integrity of its games being questioned like that.

“The big thing is this: You always want to have things that are going to be fair and for your team,” said Predators coach John Hynes when asked about the comments after the game. “… It probably doesn’t matter how I feel about it in general, but the referees are employees of the league. Rather than me comment, I think it’s an issue that I think the league will have to take care of.”

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The Athletic on Tuesday the league is investigating the incident.

It’s on the NHL to handle this very quickly and very transparently. If it was what is suspected, then the league must own up to what happened and take strong actions. If it wasn’t what we suspected, the league needs to say that, too, in a manner that is sincere and convincing, though that won’t be enough for some people.

While I’m not a conspiracy theorist myself when it comes to referees and sports, after Tuesday, it’ll be a lot more difficult to dissuade hockey fans who are.

Reach Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Gentry_Estes.

Articles You May Like

SSOTD: Hurricanes vs. Red Wings, 3/28/2024
Red Wings’ Coaching Comes Into Question During Playoff Push
Red Wings Have a Star in the Making With Lucas Raymond
NHL Rumors: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Red Wings
SSOTD: Capitals vs. Red Wings, 3/26/2024

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *