LATEST | Fans in disbelief: They have Wes McCauley under fire for rigging game four of the Stanley Cup Final

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Edward Jaxon
June 11, 2023 (5:28 PM)

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The Florida Panthers were trying to tie up the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night as they hosted Game 4, but things did not go in their favour and several fans on Twitter believe it was because of the actions of referee Wes McCauley.

Florida ended the game with 28 total penalty minutes, while the Vegas Golden Knights only had four penalty minutes, a two-minute minor for delay of game to Alex Pietrangelo and a two-minute minor to Adin Hill for unsportsmanlike conduct.

It was also a completely different game when comparing it to the first three games of the series. While the first three games of the series saw penalty after penalty called throughout, Saturday's tilt only had one penalty called in the first 59 minutes.

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Brayden McNabb cross-checked Matthew Tkachuk into Adin Hill, who fell into the net. No penalty was being called, with Panthers defenceman Brandon Montour having the puck at the line with a scoring chance, but Wes McCauley decided to blow his whistle anyways, causing confusion amongst the fans and even broadcasters.

🤨🤨🤨 pic.twitter.com/7hCSn6SjDF� Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 11, 2023

Fans on Twitter made their feelings known after Wes McCauley after he blew the whistle for absolutely no reason.

Why blow the whistle if they aren't going to call a penalty?� WashingtonSportFan125 (@WashingtonFan0) June 11, 2023

Why was a whistle blown here? There was no penalty. Bill was able to get up and didn't lose his helmet. Dude was pushed into the goalie. I legit want to know why a whistle was blown.� Mike Albanese (@Malbanese1922) June 11, 2023

Terrible whistle. This isn't rec league. Can't just blow the whistle because a guy is in the crease. If a penalty was called I would understand but without that, there should have been no whistle.� 303.Hockey (@303Hockey) June 11, 2023

....be fun to hear the refs explain the phantom stoppage there.....unfortunately league doesn't hold the refs accountable.� Habby (@bag_cats) June 11, 2023

The series now shifts back to Vegas for Game 5 on Tuesday night. With a win, the Golden Knights will hoist their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, but the Panthers will be looking to ensure the series returns to South Florida for a sixth game.

Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily

LATEST | Pietrangelo could face suspension after leaving penalty box to join fight

REPORT | Insider links the Canucks to a pending free agent: an experienced NHLer and Vancouver Native

LATEST | Injuries unknown as railing collapses during event at Rogers Arena

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JUIN 11 \| 486 ANSWERS LATEST \| Fans in disbelief: They have Wes McCauley under fire for rigging game four of the Stanley Cup Final Who will win Game 5 on Tuesday?
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Florida	172	35.4 %
Unsure	19	3.9 %
See Results	25	5.1 %
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LATEST | Fans in disbelief: They have Wes McCauley under fire for rigging game four of the Stanley Cup Final

The Florida Panthers were trying to tie up the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night as they hosted Game 4, but things did not go in their favour and several fans on Twitter believe it was because of the actions of referee Wes McCauley.

Who will win Game 5 on Tuesday?