NHL sends home multiple referees from the Maple Leafs versus Lightning series
The NHL has a process every year of cutting down their referees after each round. The process rewards referees for a good performance in the first round and punishes those who make glaring errors. After the NHL released the list of referees moving on, Maple Leafs' fans may find some comfort.
Unfortunately that comfort won't give their Leafs a second chance at the playoffs. The NHL has decided to cut Kevin Pollock and T.J. Luxmore. Pollock and Luxmore were the only officiating pair to be sent home. Both men drew heavy criticism after Game 4 of the Leafs/Lightning series had a penalty discrepancy of 8-3 in favour of the Lightning leading to a 7-3 Bolts victory.
Another casualty of the Leafs/Lightning series was Jake Brenk. Brenk notably called David Kampf for a phantom high stick that was heavily sold by Cal Foote. Brenk also allowed Alex Killorn to hold Auston Matthews' jersey for nearly a full 10-seconds without a call.
The full list of referees cut from the playoffs can be found here:
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