It’s rare to get an explanation from an NHL referee as to why they called a penalty.   In Saturday night’s tilt between the Dallas Stars and Washington Capitals, though, referee Mike Leggo took it upon himself to provide an explanation.

It was simple, direct, and clear-cut:

“You can’t do that.”

Stars forward Shawn Horcoff got a stick on the Capitals’ Jay Beagle as he went behind the net.  Leggo, well positioned in the corner, threw his arm up immediately.  Some sort of protest ensued after the whistle, as the veteran official shook his head and put his hand out en route to center ice to make the call.   For once, an NHL referee’s microphone worked, providing us with this glorious explanation:

I’m hoping for some additional advice for the players the next time Leggo gets to work a Stars game.