The officials in the game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins on Thursday night displayed an astonishing level of ineptitude. It doesn’t surprise me anymore to see games like this, but they still leave me wondering how professional officials maintain their employment, while appearing to be capable of arbitrary application of the rules, at best.
For example, did you know it is apparently permissible to tackle an opposing player from behind?
You're allowed to go for piggy back rides now?!?!? NEAT! pic.twitter.com/rsFYyDZQUM
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) March 24, 2023
This happened quite late in the game with the Habs’ net empty, so the non-call doesn’t have much of an impact on the result.