April 26, 2023 by Mike Dirsa

Early in the playoff series between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings, some of the Kings’ tactics were working on the officials. They were beneficiaries of some favorable calls in Game 1 and Game 3. Admittedly, the Oilers were undisciplined earlier in the series as well.

Oilers vs Kings Playoff Turning Point

However, the turning point for the officiating started at the 5:52 mark of Game 3 when Darnell Nurse was originally assessed a five-minute major for a trip on Viktor Arvidsson. The play got reviewed, and the major was changed to a two-minute minor. On this play, Arvidsson risked an injury with his theatrics to draw the call. This play getting reviewed made the officials watch what happened in-depth and changed the shape of the series. Much like players, referees don’t like to be shown up or embarrassed. On this play, Arvidsson was over the top with his embellishment, and the officiating crew took notice.

Oilers Reel in Discipline, Kings Try to Bait Officiating

In Game 4, the Oilers reeled in the lack of discipline that had hurt them earlier in the series, and they were able to maintain that in Game 5. However, the Kings were trying to bait the officiating into calls. Kevin Fiala twice tried to hard sell calls. For me, not calling anything was the best officiating of the series so far.

Kings Become Undisciplined

As the game got out of hand, the Kings for the first time in the series became undisciplined. Twice, the Kings took little runs at Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, and on the second run, Fiala was caught and served two minutes for tripping. In the third period, Kings defenseman Sean Durzi took a two-minute minor for cross-checking Evan Bouchard hard into the boards as well.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

The series shifts back to Los Angeles on Saturday for Game 6. It will be interesting to see if the Kings adjust the way they have been trying to work the officials for calls or if they keep playing the same way and take their chances on a revert to the earlier games in the series from a refereeing standpoint. One thing I know is the Oilers are a tough team to beat when they don’t beat themselves by playing undisciplined.

In Game 6, it will be interesting to see what the standard of officiating will be. All that is known is that if the Oilers can maintain their discipline, they should be able to close this series. The hope for Game 6 is that the game gets decided 5 on 5 and officiating is a non-factor.

Can Saturday hurry up and get here?