Proof Positive The NHL Hates NY

If the horrifying excuse for officiating hasn't been enough to give the Rangers the disadvantage, the league is now making up more rules to call the Blueshirts on. After yesterday's highly entertaining, exceptional job of screening Martin Brodeur by Sean Avery, the league has decided to legislate against him:

INTERPRETATION OF RULE 75 - UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

NEW YORK/TORONTO (April 14, 2008) -- National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell today issued the following advisory on the interpretation of Rule 75 - Unsportsmanlike Conduct: "An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."

So it is perfectly acceptable for the player to wave his arms and stick around, as long as his ass is to the netminder? This is just another arbitrary rule for the incompetent officials to mangle. What happens if the puck is behind the net and is shot out to the point with a guy in the crease? If he doesn't see the puck come out and turn around quick enough, he could be culpable as he moves back and forth looking for the puck.

Say what you want about sportsmanship and honour, Sean Avery played the game within the rules and the amount of press that it got triggered the league to legislate against him. If this wasn't a playoff game, if this wasn't Martin Brodeur, if this wasn't Sean Avery, this rule wouldn't have been made. The league is as childish and immature as they claim Avery to be and its pathetic.

But at the end of the day, they are the people in charge and you can't do anything about it. The best possible solution? The Rangers need to win the Stanley Cup so Avery's name is immortalized forever.

 Proof Positive: Does the NHL Have a Bias Against New York Teams?

Sports fans often have strong opinions about officiating in their favorite leagues, and the NHL is no exception. Over the years, some New York sports enthusiasts have alleged that the NHL has displayed bias against New York teams, particularly the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders. In this article, we will examine some instances that have fueled this perception and delve into the broader discussion of officiating in the NHL.

FAQ 1: Is There Evidence of NHL Bias Against New York Teams?

While there isn't concrete evidence of bias, there have been instances that have raised eyebrows among New York hockey fans. These instances often involve controversial calls, missed penalties, or disciplinary actions taken by the NHL.

Controversial Calls and Missed Penalties

One of the most common sources of frustration for fans is the perception that referees and officials make controversial calls or overlook penalties that should have been called. This can lead to a feeling of bias when such incidents consistently appear to go against New York teams.

Disciplinary Actions and Suspensions

Some fans have also pointed to what they see as inconsistencies in how the NHL handles disciplinary actions, particularly in cases involving New York teams. Instances where players from New York teams receive harsher penalties or suspensions compared to players from other teams can contribute to this perception.

FAQ 2: What Are Some Notable Examples?

While it's important to note that officiating is subjective and open to interpretation, here are a few examples that have led to discussions about NHL bias against New York teams:

Controversial Goal Decisions: Instances where goals by New York teams were disallowed due to goalie interference or offside calls have sparked controversy. Fans argue that similar goals by other teams have been allowed.

Discipline for Aggressive Play: Some fans have criticized the league for what they perceive as uneven discipline for aggressive play. They point to situations where players from New York teams received suspensions for actions that went unpunished for players on other teams.

Penalty Disparities: In some games, there have been significant disparities in the number of penalties called against New York teams compared to their opponents. Fans often cite these discrepancies as evidence of bias.

The Bigger Picture: Officiating Challenges in the NHL

It's important to remember that officiating is a challenging aspect of any sport, and the NHL is no exception. The speed and physicality of hockey make it particularly difficult to make split-second decisions.

While the perception of bias against New York teams exists among some fans, it's essential to acknowledge that officiating in the NHL is a complex and challenging task. Mistakes and controversies will inevitably occur in any sport. While some instances may fuel the perception of bias, they should not overshadow the hard work and dedication of the officials who strive to maintain the integrity of the game.

In the end, the passion of fans is what makes sports so thrilling, and discussions about officiating are an integral part of that passion. Hockey fans in New York, like those in other cities, will continue to support their teams and voice their opinions, whether they believe the NHL has a bias against their beloved Rangers or Islanders or not.