Nov 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing J.T. Compher (37) discusses a call with referee Kelly Sutherland (11) during the first period at Madison Square Garden.

Photo credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

The officials that were on the ice for the game between the Red Wings and the Rangers were widely criticized by fans and analysts after a lacklustre game.

A big part of rivalries comes from poor officiating. When referees don’t make the right calls, players take matters into their own hands, and it often lasts over many games.

During last night’s game, referees made questionable calls, and after the final whistle, both benches cleared and an old-school brawl involving all players unfolded.

Referees Blasted For Poor Decisions In Rangers Vs. Red Wings

Let’s take a look at two questionable calls that occurred in the game:

First, Moritz Seider got a penalty for delay of game, which most fans believed shouldn’t have been called:Mika Zibanejad ended up scoring his team’s only goal of the game on the ensuing power play:The referees also called a controversial penalty on Rangers forward Sam Carrick:After the game, Mason Appleton shot the puck in the empty net, and although this is the main thing that led to what happened next, the officiating is also to blame.

Indeed, the two benches cleared, and a massive brawl went down.

Officials can’t do much when all players leave the bench; there are only four on the ice.

But they allowed it to happen, and I believe that the way they managed the whole game is also to be considered in the equation.

The Rangers and the Red Wings will meet again this season, on April 4th, in Detroit.

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On-ice officials in Red Wings vs. Rangers slammed by broadcasting crew and fans after lacklustre calls

Did you like seeing the brawl at the end of the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers?