Bruins GM Don Sweeney says NHL must hold official accountable

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TJ Tucker
May 13, 2024 (3:54 PM)

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Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney has ripped the NHL and officials for a lack of accountability and says referees must start answering questions in front of a mic

With their back against the wall in their second round 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney met with reporters today in the aftermath of things that happened in game 3 and 4. Sweeney was not a happy camper.

Sweeney was, of course, asked about Sam Bennett's hit on Boston Brad Marchand that knocked Marchand out of the rest of game 3, and all of game 4. He told reporters they shouldn't be asking him and coach Jim Montgomery about officiating because it will only lead to trouble and/or fines.

"We're not in a position to be criticizing the officials. It's their protocol, we'll get fined as a result of that."

That said, Sweeney said he believes it's time for NHL officials to have to do the same as officials in other leagues like the SHL, where they appear in front of a camera and answer questions on their decisions. His focus then was on Boston's goaltender interference challenge which was overturned in game 4.

"You want full access and transparency? Then put the officials in front of the microphone to answer the question. They're the only ones that have the experience to be able to handle whatever interpretation they applied to Rule 69."

Game 5 between Boston and Florida takes place Tuesday night. With the Panthers leading the series 3-1, a Boston loss means they are eliminated from the playoffs. Should that happen, it would be the third year in a row that Boston was taken out of the postseason by Florida.