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Capitals discuss ‘lopsided’ penalty calls

NHL referees

When you’re invested in the results of a game, it’s easy to think that officials are “out to get your team” when they make calls. That’s especially true if the differences seem stark.

Some Washington Capitals fans - and maybe a few players - might feel that something’s up after Game 6.

While the putrid New York Rangers power play went 0-for-5 on Sunday, the Caps didn’t draw a single penalty. That’s the first time that’s happened all season for Washington, according to the Bergen Record’s Tom Gulitti.

Troy Brouwer is among the Capitals speaking out against the disparity in penalty calls, as CSNWashington.com’s Chuck Gormley reports.

“We deserved some, we didn’t deserve some,” Brouwer said. “I can’t believe they didn’t get a penalty tonight. It seems a little outlandish.”

Goalie Braden Holtby shared his agreement with the Washington Times’ Stephen Whyno.

“Tonight shouldn’t have been so lopsided,” Holtby said. “It shouldn’t have. We all know that ... We won’t use it as an excuse.”

Head coach Adam Oates was mostly diplomatic, merely pointing to an alleged slew foot by Derek Dorsett as a missed call.

At this point, you might be asking: how bad has it been? Here’s a power play breakdown for the series:

Game 1
Rangers received four power plays, Capitals received five

Game 2
Rangers received three, Capitals received two

Game 3
Rangers received six, Capitals received three

Game 4
Rangers received four, Capitals received two

Game 5
Rangers received four, Capitals received two

Game 6
Rangers received five, Capitals received none

Overall, New York has been on 26 power plays while Washington has only had 14. Even so, the Capitals have scored three power-play goals to just two for the Rangers.

There are plenty of possible explanations for the “lopsided” whistles, but that won’t stop conspiracy theorists from wondering if something fishy is going on.