Maple Leafs fans not happy with referee for game 6 against the Bruins

Toronto Maple Leafs fans are pointing out a conflict of interest with referee Chris Rooney, who will be officiating tonight's game 6 against the Boston Bruins

It is a huge game for both teams tonight as the Boston Bruins take on the Maple Leafs in Toronto. The Bruins have a chance to move on to the next round, something they've failed to do in their last five chances, while the Maple Leafs look to break six game playoff losing streak at home.


While Toronto has home ice, fans are not liking the announcement of who will referee tonight's pivotal game. According to Scouting the Refs, it is Boston native Chris Rooney.





This is Rooney's first game of the Maple Leafs-bruins first round 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs series. Fans are not happy about it at all.

This is something that the NHL should never do, put an official from the area that a team is from. It's a no win situation. Chris Rooney sucks.— Mícheál Ó Gallchobhair (@itsskitime) May 2, 2024

It's a bit surprising that the NHL would even take the chance of being accused of having a biased referee in a playoff elimination game. Surely there were other officials available that wouldn't have the same stigma attached to them. Whether Rooney will be a factor remains to be seen as the Maple Leafs look to avoid another early exit from the postseason. It's worth noting that Elmira, Ontario native Garrett Rank officiated a game earlier in this series.