The 2025 NHL playoffs have become a lightning rod for controversy, with officiating now taking center stage in a series already brimming with intensity and drama. The spotlight intensified after a highly questionable call against Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues, who was penalized for embellishment following a hard hit from Toronto’s Scott Laughton.

Instead of punishing the initial infraction, referees handed Rodrigues a minor penalty—an outcome that has left fans, players, and analysts in disbelief. As emotions boil over both on the ice and across social media, many are questioning the integrity and consistency of NHL officiating, with demands growing louder for referee Francois St.-Laurent’s removal from the series.

The incident has not only sparked outrage among Panthers supporters but has also prompted even Maple Leafs fans to debate the legitimacy of the call, underscoring the widespread frustration. With the stakes higher than ever and the series hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the referees, who risk overshadowing the very competition they are meant to uphold.

Evan Rodrigues heading to the Locker Room

Photo credit: Screenshot

NHL referees are getting out of control during the 2025 NHL playoffs, after Evan Rodrigues was given an embellishment call after getting hit in the numbers by the Maple Leafs’ Scott Laughton.

Game 2 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers remained intense. Tempers flared, and Scott Laughton demolished Evan Rodrigues, in what should’ve been a penalty for Laughton, but was a penalty for Rodrigues.

Rodrigues was given a minor penalty for “embellishment” for getting hit in the numbers. A ridiculous result of a play that Laughton began in the first place.

Fans would be irate and ask for referee Francois St.-Laurent to be removed from the series, since he’s incapable of being impartial or making the correct call.

Of course, after the incident took place, it has been trending on X, much to the chagrin of Gary Bettman and the NHL undoubtedly.

Surprisingly, Maple Leaf fans are debating the legitimacy of the embellishment minor, which is very telling of how bad things are now.

At the beginning of the third period, the Maple Leafs led the Panthers 3-2. Evan Rodrigues would eventually return to the ice.

Will the referees influence the game more than they already have in favor of Toronto?

Or is this just another way of the zebras making things right for the Maple Leafs after Sam Bennett’s lack of discipline for elbowing Anthony Stolarz? Either way, this is shameful.

Joseph Woll has stepped in for Anthony Stolarz in Game 2 and continues to hold down the crease, even after Brad Marchand has once again scored on the Maple Leafs.