Bruins' Sweeney wants refs to address controversial calls

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney is calling for more transparency from the NHL and its officials after Sam Bennett's controversial goal became the primary storyline from Boston's Game 4 loss to the Florida Panthers.

"Those questions should be directed either at the director or supervisor of officials, supervisor series, and/or the officials," Sweeney said Monday, according to WEEI. "You want full access and transparency? Then put the officials in front of the microphone."

He added: "We're not in a position to be criticizing the officials. That's standard protocol. We'll get fined as a result of that, so there's no intention on my point to be critical."

Bennett pushed Bruins forward Charlie Coyle into goaltender Jeremy Swayman before potting the equalizer in the second period of Sunday's game. The Panthers went on to win the contest and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

After review, Sam Bennett's equalizer will stand and the Panthers tie it up! pic.twitter.com/1TqlbHRbwj

- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 13, 2024

The Bruins challenged the play to no avail, and the league's official review supported the call on the ice after it was upheld.

"A player, a coach, you ask them about critical plays, good or bad. The people making decisions should explain them," Sweeney said, according to Ty Anderson of 985 Sports. "It's as simple as that."

Bennett's goal was his second hotly debated incident of the series after he escaped discipline for a hit that injured Brad Marchand in Game 3.

Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Florida, with the Panthers one victory from advancing to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Final.

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