Referee Conspiracies: Do NHL Officials Play Favorites?

Referees in the NHL have one of the hardest jobs in sports. But they are often accused of bias toward certain teams or players. This is a frustration — but are they genuine claims? Let's find out the conspiracies that circulate in the NHL on referees and their favouritism.


Questionable Calls Raise Eyebrows


There are some calls — or no-calls — that anger fans. A missed high stick, a soft penalty or an unbalanced power-play count can turn momentum. Over time, connections form (at least in the mind), and conspiracy theories grow. It affects the whole game scenario of NHL.

The 2019 Stanley Cup Final featured a controversial no-call that helped decide Game 5 for the St. Louis Blues. Many felt the referees were trying to avoid influencing the game, thus ignoring a clear penalty.



Star Treatment?


Stars such as Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid appear to get a longer leash. Physical play against them tends to be overlooked, while lesser-known players get busted for the same infraction.

Is this intentional favoritism, or simply referees trusting veterans to play clean? Critics see it as unjust, but others contend stars command respect with clean play.


Home-Ice Bias?




Data indicates home teams tend to receive more power plays. Or is it crowd pressure making referees weak? Or just that home teams play with more intensity?

A 2018 study suggested that home teams received, on average, 0.2 more power plays per game. Small, but enough to make arguments.


The NHL’s Response


The league denies favoritism, saying it holds its officials to the highest standards. Referees are constantly reviewed, and errors are dealt with internally. Yet fans want more transparency — such as public rationales for contentious decisions.

Read more: Philadelphia Flyers was the worst record for head coach John Tortorella


Conclusion: Human Error or Hidden Agenda?


Referees are people too, that's why some errors occur. Bu t highlighted when certain teams or players constantly profit, skepticism increases. Until the NHL makes all officiating fully transparent, conspiracy theories will continue to skate on.