Head back down to ice level for a listen at the in-game chatter from the NHL referees during the Conference Finals of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Some highlights:
- Referee Eric Furlatt explains the whistle, then gives Blues coach Ken Hitchcock an opportunity to challenge the call. (Frankly, with that explanation, I can’t imagine Hitchcock thinking it worth a challenge. Furlatt was quite clear on what he saw.)
- “Watch the blue!” warns referee Dan O’Rourke. “Stay out!”
- O’Rourke motivates both clubs as they battle along the boards: “Get it movin’ boys! Get that puck going! Come on! Battle boys!”
- “Good checkin’!” yells referee Kelly Sutherland while executing some smooth back-skating crossovers. “Watch the intereference!”
- Brad Watson gives a nice explanation to Pittsburgh’s Phil Kessel on what he saw – and what he’s watching for.
- Linesmen Jonny Murray gets in on the action, demanding that Pens’ coach Mike Sullivan puts the right players back on the ice after an icing.