Has the NHL officiating been bad toward the Chicago Blackhawks and all NHL team in general?

NHL officiating has taken a downturn, especially for the Chicago Blackhawks.

A string of controversial calls has left players and fans questioning the officiating in the NHL.

Whether it's missed penalties on their opponents or frequent infractions called against them, the Blackhawks seem to find themselves on the wrong side of the whistle too often.

No-Penalty Calls and Costly Mistakes

During the Blackhawks' game against the Devils, Ryan Donato appeared to have scored for the Blackhawks with Artyom Levshunov picking up the assist. However, the goal was waved off due to a high stick. Fans were upset after the call.

Later in the game, Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was cross-checked by Devils defenseman Simon Nemec with no penalty called. Moments later, Landon Slaggert stepped in to help Bedard and was assessed a roughing minor, giving New Jersey a power play.

Former Blackhawks color commentator Eddie Olczyk, expressed his opinions on the TNT broadcast, saying that he "would be livid" over the decision. Olczyk, a former player and coach, has seen his share of officiating controversies over the years.

The frustration boiled over earlier in March when Bedard was tripped by Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro with no call from the officials. Bedard confronted veteran referee Chris Rooney, and was later assessed a 10-minute game misconduct.

Two nights later against the Canucks, Bedard was tangled up with multiple Vancouver players and was assessed his second straight 10-minute game misconduct. Bedard was livid on the call and threw his helmet as he was going down the tunnels back to the locker room.

In the Blackhawks' 4-1 loss to the Blues on March 22, Ryan Donato was on a breakaway and when he was slashed by St. Louis defenseman Cam Fowler, no penalty was called on the play. Donato skated to the Blackhawks' bench and shattered his stick in frustration after the missed call.

How is this affecting The Team?

The Blackhawks, already in a rebuilding phase, are dealing with enough challenges but the no-penalty calls has taken a turnpool. Players are afraid to confront officials about the calls, knowing it could lead to further penalties or game misconducts. The coaching staff isn't respected enough to get those calls.

With the Flyers parting ways with John Tortorella on Thursday, Chicago could hire him as their head coach.

His aggressive coaching style and willingness to be honest with both his players and officials could complement Chicago in their rebuild.

League Response

So far, the NHL hasn't said anything on the incidents, but the calls have not gone unnoticed by fans and analysts. In the Islanders' game against the Blue Jackets on March 24, New York forward Kyle Palmieri had a last-minute game-winning goal waved off due to goalie interference.

Will the NHL address these concerns? Or will the Blackhawks continue fighting an uphill battle against both their opponents and referees?

With 10 games left in the 2024-25 season, the Blackhawks will have to see how things play out for now.