Maple Leafs May Have an Advantage As Officials For Game 1 Against Panthers Announced

Earlier in the day on Monday, the NHL announced the referees and linesmen that would officiate Round 2, with a handful of notable names being cut, including Frederick L'Ecuyer, Brian Pochmara and Peter MacDougall, all of whom officiated the Leafs in Round 1.

As the Leafs and Panthers prepare for what should be an intense and physical Game 1, the league announced the officials that will have to try to manage the copious amounts of testosterone and emotion tonight. Those referees are Chris Rooney and Graham Skilliter.

The Leafs are 6-1 when Rooney officiates their games, but just 1-2 when Skilliter does. On the other side, the Panthers are a combined 6-1-1 when either of them officiate a Panthers game.

A positive for the Leafs is that home teams hold a record of 79-63-9 when Skilliter and Rooney are managing playoff games, while favouring home teams with power play opportunities -- something the Leafs will need to capitalize on this time around.

While Game 1's officials seemingly give the advantage to the Leafs, officiating has once again come into question across the playoffs, thanks to fans and players not knowing what is and isn't a penalty.