Folks, we have lost the plot on National Hockey League refereeing.

When the best referees in the league perform like they have this spring, there is a problem.

When Connor McDavid can play eight playoff games over two seasons, yet not draw a single penalty — despite ranking sixth in the regular season over that span in penalties drawn — there is a problem.

When only three of the Top 25 salaried players in the league are still playing in the semifinals — and two of those are goalies — we have a problem.

We asked players on Monday what they thought about the standard, and always, they didn’t want to say much. Some fear reprisal by the officials, some just don’t like the look of focusing on things that are out of their control.

-Mark Spector of Sportsnet where you can read more on the officiating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.