Articles / ‘The refs kinda took over the game there’: Canadiens call out officials after loss to Oilers

‘The refs kinda took over the game there’: Canadiens call out officials after loss to Oilers

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Daily Faceoff
Oct 24, 2025 4:43 AM

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After the Montreal Canadiens faced the Edmonton Oilers, frustration within the Canadiens' camp was palpable, particularly regarding the officiating during the game. Montreal's star forward, Cole Caufield, expressed his discontent, stating that the referees seemed to take control over the game's narrative, influencing key moments that could have swung in the Canadiens' favor. The team's disillusionment was evident as the players and coaches addressed questionable calls that they believed negatively impacted their performance.

Coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the importance of fair officiating, arguing that players should not become mere spectators due to the referees' decisions. He pointed out specific plays that he felt warranted closer scrutiny and upheld that the integrity of the game should rely on players making the decisive plays on the ice, rather than relying on the officials to dictate the outcome.

Caufield later reiterated the message during a post-game interview, recalling moments where he felt that the players' efforts were undermined by inconsistent referee calls. The Canadiens, known for their competitive spirit, recognized that these challenges could affect their season trajectory if they did not address the officiating concerns directly and constructively. As the team aims for a playoff position, they hope the league will take their observations into account moving forward.

Players Mentioned