from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

NHL officiating seems to have moved into its playoff form more than two months before the playoffs actually begin. The preseason advisory about cracking down on cross-checks has been inoperable for a few weeks, already. Referees are in the “Let the boys play,” mode. Who needs rules?

The Rangers were beaten 1-0 in Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon when Evgeni Malkin scored a power-play goal at 5:09 of the third period after Ryan Lindgren had been cited for hooking Sidney Crosby on a play that was more innocent than at least a half-dozen that had preceded it and had gone without notice.

Sometimes, you are no doubt aware, “Who needs rules?” is superseded by “Crosby Rules.” The latter could, of course, be interpreted in two ways, because while there may be Crosby Rules, it’s also true that for the most part, Crosby does rule.

There were three, two-minute sets of four-on-four play in the second period but only four power plays — two for each side — in the testy contest that did at times rise to the level of playoff intensity.

When it was over, Gerard Gallant was asked about the call on Lindgren. The head coach not only took no umbrage over the penalty but endorsed the work of referees Steve Kozari and Tom Chmielewski.

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