Hello,

 

I do not have a question, rather a complaint.

 

I am a fan of the Florida Panthers. I know you may have your opinion and that me being a fan of the "lowly Panthers" may not make my opinion important, I would still greatly appreciate you hearing me out. I don't know if anyone will actually read this, but I really hope someone does.

 

This season, much like others, has been a disgrace. I have reviewed quite a few of the games throughout the season, and there seems to be an obvious bias from the referees opposing the Panthers. You may be thinking that I'm "just biased towards my team", but I assure you that that is not the case. I have watched games over to see specific calls, and even the announcers disagree with a lot of calls.

 

Teams that are playing the Panthers have what seems to be immunity from all penalties, where as the Panthers' players are watched over like hawks, being called for outlandish things at certain points.

 

The facts speak for themselves. Florida has more penalty calls against them than any other team in the NHL. They also have less powerplay oppertunities than any other team in the league, even though they have played more games than most of them (18).

 

I do understand that Florida does take penalties. I've been watching and playing hockey since I was a child and I know how the game is, but when referees take full control of a game and deeply effect if a team wins or loses, than it has become a problem.

 

I doubt anyone will actually read this plea from a lowly Panther fan, but please gentleman, realize this. Hockey is a game of equality. We let all people from all countries from all backgrounds play this wonderful game. Let them play the game. Enough with the penalties already.

 

Thank you for your time

 

Sincerely,

Alex

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=311158

 

:notworthy

:violin

 

Ever think the penalties are because the team is sloppy and slow to get back on defense?

 

I love hockey, I think the BAC is one of the best places to see a game, but dammit this team is awful, passing the blame is just plain stupid.

:violin

Ever think the penalties are because the team is sloppy and slow to get back on defense?

 

I love hockey, I think the BAC is one of the best places to see a game, but dammit this team is awful, passing the blame is just plain stupid.

 

have you actually watched any of the games in the last couple of weeks?

 

san jose game - phantom call on gelinas with a minute remaining in a 1-1 game. sharks score on a fluky goal with 30 seconds left. game over.

 

rangers game - tons of.....ticky-tacky calls.

 

sabres game - vanek awarded a penalty shot when he clearly did not deserve one. yes, he was hooked on a breakaway, but he got a good scoring chance. rules state he should get a 2 minute minor, but i guess the refs disagree.

 

later in the game - auld is getting mauled by adam mair in front of the net, no call, vanek shoots and scores. where was the goalie interference?

 

1 minute left - roberts shoves roy with a free hand and they call it "holding". sabres score in overtime.

 

devils game - our guys are getting whistled for breathing, but the devils are allowed to take runs at our players unharmed? this was the game that got me the most. we have a parade to the penalty box on ticky-tacky stuff, hooking, holding when the actual call had a minimal-to-no effect on the play...two full 5 on 3's to the devils. that all is fine, as long as YOU CALL IT EVENLY.

 

the devils on the other hand are charging, elbowing, headhunting, everything you can imagine and they get nothing. ridiculous.

 

we lost again today because of a powerplay - but the penalties were deserved so i have no complaints. but prior to tonight, the officiating in panther games has been disgraceful. that fan had every reason to complain.

that San Jose game still gives me heartburn

This season has been very hard to follow, I hope things turn around when Bertuzzi gets back and we get more goals.

Teams that are playing the Panthers have what seems to be immunity from all penalties, where as the Panthers' players are watched over like hawks

:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy