Alex Burrows

In what might have been Alex Burrows’ biggest night with a chance at a third hat trick, a referee purportedly uttered words to the left winger in revenge for a previous game. Referee Stephane Auger had pulled Burrows aside just before the national anthems and said “I’m gonna get you back.”

Auger did make good on his threat calling a penalty for diving on the Canucks player 3:26 into the third period. Burrows was then hit with a questionable interference penalty 12 minutes later and then slapped with unsportsmanlike conduct. The interference call allowed the visiting Nashville Predators to score the game winning goal. The Canucks lost 3-2 to the Predators.

After the game, an emotional Burrows explained to the press that this debacle was in retaliation for an exaggerated hit by Jerred Smithson of the Nashville Predators back on December 8^th, 2009.

Speaking out against officials in the National Hockey League is considered taboo. Players who do voice opinions about on ice officiating, decisions or policies can be slapped with hefty fines or suspension. It’s quite possible that Burrows, captain Roberto Luongo and coach Alain Vignault and Vancouver Canucks organization will be fined. There aren’t too many cases of the officials being penalized for on ice conduct.

A clip of the pre-game talk by Stephane Auger with Alex Burrows.