How to improve officiating in the Stanley Cup playoffs

Complaining about Stanley Cup playoff officiating is a rite of the season, like watch parties and rally towels.

The coaches complain about officiating. Like Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour admitting that "I'm a little pissed, to be honest with you" when an unpenalized slash from New York Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau broke the hand of Carolina winger Teuvo Teravainen. Or Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe accusing Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper of "manipulating the officials" when Steven Stamkos fought Auston Matthews in Game 3.

The players complain about the officiating, none louder than Marcus Foligno of the Minnesota Wild. He was whistled for two specious…