
Originally Posted by
CFH
But the rules can't change based on the circumstances, that's a ridiculous standard (or lack thereof). I'm not talking about refs controlling tempers etc., that's fine as long as it's done in an equitable manner. However, when a player gets called for a hook in the season they should be called for the same hook in the post-season, it's unfair for the players (who universally cry out for consistency) and no other major sport changes their rules based on what time of year it is. The same thing should be the case during a game. I literally cannot count how many times I've seen an identical play called for a penalty in the first and second period and not called in the third. It's ridiculous and it makes a lot of fans want to throw up their hands in disgust.
Futhermore, I think this inconsistency actually leads to more penalities and a general worsening of the quality of the product on the ice. Players do not know which standards they will be held to an as such are unsure of how to act. As for the rules being different in the playoffs, penalties, powerplays etc. directly result in who is included in the playoffs (teams with shitty special teams almost never make the post-season), so why should the standard suddenly be changed? I don't want to see a penalty-fest in the playoffs either, but I want consistency.
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