Today’s NHL Referees and Linespersons – 4/18/26
Let the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin! Saturday's National Hockey League referees and linespersons for opening day of the 2026 postseason. Today's NHL officials for April 18, 2026:
NHL Officials
Stanley Cup Playoffs
Sens’ Goal Disallowed After Situation Room Review
The Ottawa Senators were inches away from tying Game 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes after it was ruled that the puck never crossed the line on a glove save by Frederik Andersen.
The Latest
Scouting the Refs Podcast: The NHL Rulebook Is Wrong, 38 Special Was Right
23,596 penalty minutes, Barton retired, sticks flying in Buffalo, a NHL Stanley Cup Playoff officiating preview, Avs go offside (or not)… and is the rulebook wrong?
How Much Do NHL Refs Get Paid for the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
NHL Referees and Linesmen earn a bonus for each round worked in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let’s follow the money and break down the dollars for 2026:
Linesperson Steve Barton Retires After 26-year NHL Career
Longtime National Hockey League official Steve Barton worked his final game on Wednesday as the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Dallas Stars.
NHL Veteran Jonny Murray Launches Powerskating Camp for Officials
Hit the ice with NHL linesman Jonny Murray this summer for an officials-only power skating camp in Quebec City
Referee Ben Betker Set for NHL Debut at Flames/Avs
Referee Ben Betker will make his NHL debut in stripes tonight as the Colorado Avalanche host the Calgary Flames.
Senators’ Tkachuk Penalized, Fined $2500 for Slash from the Bench
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has been fined $2500 for a slash from the bench that also earned him a minor penalty against the Buffalo Sabres.
Scouting the Refs Podcast: Hey, That’s Mine!
Kovachik retires, stick stealing, Domi vs. Gudas, goalie fight, Tkachuk’s bench penalty, rookie/ref run-in, Maurice says STFU, and more #RefsPodcast
Linesperson Brad Kovachik to Work Final NHL Game
Long-time National Hockey League linesperson Brad Kovachik is hanging up his whistle after the final buzzer sounds at Senators vs. Panthers tonight in Florida.
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Podcast
Scouting the Refs Podcast: The NHL Rulebook Is Wrong, 38 Special Was Right
23,596 penalty minutes, Barton retired, sticks flying in Buffalo, a NHL Stanley Cup Playoff officiating preview, Avs go offside (or not)... and is the rulebook wrong?
Situation Room
Wild Score In Overtime on Dislodged Net vs. Predators
The Minnesota Wild scored an overtime winner that never even went into the net, thanks to Rule 63.7
Player Safety
Senators’ Tkachuk Penalized, Fined $2500 for Slash from the Bench
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has been fined $2500 for a slash from the bench that also earned him a minor penalty against the Buffalo Sabres.
