The problem with this play more than anything is the fact that a standard was set earlier in the game when Parker Wotherspoon was called for embellishment. On the play Wotherspoon is cross-checked from behind and falls to the ice, a play the referee determined was embellishment.
One has to wonder if a number of things are going on, not just during the playoffs but through the regular season as well. Are players taught how to embellish? Do certain teams get calls over others? Is there a number of players in the league that get called for embellishment over others; and do referees know how to clearly identify these instances?
While Charlie Coyle gets a penalty over a seemingly helpless Matthew Tkachuk, it seemed like Tkachuk fell more than he was hit, yet no call on Tkachuk occurred. It begs the question of what the referees feel embellishment really is.
There are times when two plays occur, but one is called for embellishment and the other one isn't. It would just be nice to see the officials call a more consistent game, instead of everyone questioning what they're thinking. If you're going to hold a player accountable for embellishment, you better hold a referee accountable for not knowing what's a penalty and what isn't. A little consistency goes a long way.
