Hating On NHL Refs Almost As Old As Ice

Editor's note: Stan Fischler is the Gordie Howe of hockey media.

With the same amazing longevity, Stan's version of the Howe Hat Trick is scoring more than 100 hockey books, assisting countless journalists get their start, and throwing a sharp elbow when necessary in thousands of entertaining, insightful columns and broadcasts.

"The Maven," still sharing wisdom for THN, is a legend I'm honored to call a friend.

Whether you're a Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leaf or Philadelphia Flyer - or one of their fans - one subject can unite the most bitter rivals, and always has.

Complaints about NHL officiating.

When Jack Adams coached the Detroit Red Wings, he once punched a referee, during the Stanley Cup Final. That was in 1942. Adams also once called an official "gutless and chicken" to a group of reporters.

"Montreal's Boom-Boom Geoffrion threw both of his gloves plus his hockey stick at Referee Vern Buffey," reported Sports Illustrated - in 1963.

“It’s been the worst officiated playoff season I’ve seen in decades. Just terrible all over the ice. They’ve missed stuff, (they’re) second-guessing themselves." The acidic words of former player, coach and GM Mike Milbury - two weeks ago.

Stan Fischler, who's covered a lot of hockey over seven decades, has his own take on the historical and current state of officiating. He shares in this Kraken Reaction .