There’s a ton of great footage in the first episode of Showtime’s NHL All Access. From an officiating standpoint, one of the highlights centers on Game 1 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Pens defensman Kris Letang receives a high, hard hit from Tampa’s Ryan Callahan. The Lightning winger received a five-minute major for boarding from referees Francis Charron and Wes McCauley.
The officials were mic’d up for their discussion of the play.
“He hits him pretty hard,” says linesman Jonny Murray, “Even though he knows he’s going to get hit.”
“It’s boarding, responds referee Wes McCauley. “It’s not a hit from behind.”
“Perfect, so five boarding,” confirms referee Francis Charron while holding up five fingers.
“Five minute major for boarding,” announces Charron. “Stays in the game, just five.”
Tampa head coach Jon Cooper protested the call.
“Isn’t the onus for the d-man (Letang) to protect himself a little bit?” asks Cooper. “He can’t turn his back.”
“Would you want one of your guys to get hit like that?” McCauley replies. “Let’s be honest.”
Callahan was fortunate to avoid a game misconduct on the play given the apparent injury to Letang, who left the game.
