Before we get into the sorry state of NHL officiating, let’s get something out of the way in the wake of the Bruins’ 2-1 loss in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final:

The Bruins’ level of execution in the offensive zone on Thursday night did not match the high energy they brought to the Garden, especially in the first period when they were all over the Blues. They followed up with a terribly flat second period. They did nothing with their three power plays. And when you can manage only one goal, chances are you won’t win.

So there is plenty of introspection the Bruins, who trail the series 3-2, need to do between now and Sunday’s Game 6 at what surely will be a rocking Enterprise Center, where the Stanley Cup could be hoisted by the Blues.

Now, let’s get into it.

Game 5 was the latest installment of the league’s two-month nightmare as the game officials had a hand yet again in deciding a playoff game, this time by keeping their whistles in their pockets. That’s what St. Louis coach Craig Berube kindly asked for after the B’s 7-2 victory in Game 3, and he has gotten his wish. After receiving 14 power plays in the first three games, the Bruins had two in Game 4 and three in Game 5.

There wasn’t a ton to complain about in Game 4, but on Thursday, was there ever.

In the first period, Ivan Barbashev got away with a clear head shot on Marcus Johansson that resembled the infamous Matt Cooke hit on Marc Savard, the big difference being Johansson wasn’t knocked unconscious. But he had just released the puck and was in a vulnerable position when Barbashev came in and got nothing but noggin.

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