I Watched This Game: Canucks overcome 'real odd' officiating in win over Blue Jackets

I Watched This Game: Canucks Overcome 'Real Odd' Officiating in Win Over Blue Jackets

Drew O'Connor contributed two points in a significant regulation victory for the Vancouver Canucks. Officiating often should not dominate the narrative of a game, but Saturday's match was an exception. It might have been one of the worst-refereed games I've seen in the NHL, featuring missed calls affecting both teams.

Some of the most glaring uncalled penalties appeared to be against the Canucks, though this might reflect my viewpoint, focusing closely on their play. It's easier to spot when players are interfered with, tripped, or hooked from their perspective. Even without bias, the blatant missed fouls were unmistakable.

Missed Penalties Against the Canucks

Conor Garland was clearly tripped in the first period—an unmistakable penalty.
Max Sasson was hit in the numbers during the second period, causing his helmet to come off.
Tyler Myers took an elbow to the back of the head in the third period, notable given how elevated his head is during play.

Crucial Missed Call at the End of Second Period

Quinn Hughes was about to start a breakaway when Ivan Provorov hooked him by sticking his stick into Hughes' midsection and pulling him back. Despite referee Jordan Samuels-Thomas watching directly, no penalty or penalty shot was called.

This play resembled a textbook example of hooking officials are trained to recognize, yet the call was inexplicably missed.

Author's Summary

The Canucks managed a key win despite notably poor officiating that missed several obvious penalties, affecting the flow and fairness of the game.

North Shore News — 2025-11-08