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NHL Referees Could Benefit From Brind'Amour's Call For More Video Review
TL;DR
Rod Brind'Amour advocates for increased video review in the NHL to assist referees, particularly after a non-penalized punch by Ridly Greig in a playoff game. Greig faces a hearing with NHL Player Safety following the incident.
Key points
- Rod Brind'Amour advocates for more video review in the NHL
- Ridly Greig punched Sean Walker without penalty
- Greig has a hearing with NHL Player Safety scheduled
- Brind'Amour's comments highlight long-held concerns about officiating
- Video replay could improve penalty accuracy
Carolina HurricanesOttawa SenatorsRidly GreigSean Walker
Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour made an excellent point earlier this week about how NHL referees can get some assistance during games.
The former star player and current Canes coach took time to discuss the sucker punch Ottawa Senators left winger Ridly Greig laid on Carolina defenseman Sean Walker in Game 4 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series.
Greig's punch was not penalized during the game, although he has a hearing with NHL Player Safety scheduled for Monday.
That spoke to Brind'Amour's (and this writer's) long-held desire to use video replay in getting penalties called correctly.
"That just goes to my point that we've been having for eight years on what needs to be done – review the penalties," Brind'Amour said while feigning a microphone drop for dramatic effect. "It is impossible to referee our sport live. It really is. Everything's happening so fast, now you're getting embellishment everywhere… but if you had a guy in the review that said 'woah-woah-woah, that's embellishment,' it'd be out of the game.
Whether or not you're a Hurricanes fan, you have to appreciate Brind'Amour's refreshing candor.
The game is too fast. NHL referees do need help.
There's a clear need for an eye-in-the-sky official who can serve as insurance for getting calls right. Using video review while giving another official the option to buzz down to the on-ice officials and getting the calls correct is something the league can achieve.
Q&A
What did Rod Brind'Amour say about NHL referees?
Rod Brind'Amour emphasized the need for more video review to help referees make accurate penalty calls during games.
What incident prompted Brind'Amour's call for video review?
Brind'Amour's call for video review followed a sucker punch by Ridly Greig on Sean Walker that was not penalized during Game 4 of the playoffs.
What is Ridly Greig facing after the incident with Sean Walker?
Ridly Greig is scheduled for a hearing with NHL Player Safety regarding the punch he threw during the game.
How could video review impact NHL officiating?
Increased video review could lead to more accurate penalty calls, potentially improving the overall fairness of officiating in the NHL.