Calgary Flames star Nazem Kadri bluntly calls out officials (Credit: IMAGN)
In a tough game against the Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri openly criticized the officiating. Late in the third period, Kadri received a slashing penalty that led to a game-winning power-play goal for Winnipeg, putting them up 4–3. Following the penalty, Kadri received a 10-minute misconduct after expressing frustration.
Kadri had tied the game 3–3 with a goal in the third period, but the penalty call shifted the momentum to Winnipeg. Cole Perfetti and Mason Appleton added two more goals to score a 5–3 win.
“We had a great game on our hands.” Kadri said. “It’s very unfortunate that’s what it had to come down to … I feel like you’ve got to have some feel for the game and that’s certainly, especially when they’re coming off a five-on-three, to have that one called is upsetting.”
“I think both teams are playing great. It’s tremendous hockey out there. It was just a toe-to- toe battle, and someone had a little too much decision on the game.”
When the reporter asked Kadri if he felt “the game was taken” from him, Kadri said:
“I think so. I think it’s pretty natural to feel that way. I mean, both teams are fighting are, scraping for every inch out there … Obviously to have that not go in your favour and just not let the players decide, essentially, is frustrating, for sure.”
Nazem Kadri, on the reffing tonight and his penalty late in the third period that Winnipeg scored on:#Flames
🗣️"I think both teams are playing great. It’s tremendous hockey out there. It was just a toe-to-toe battle, and someone had a little too much decision on the game." pic.twitter.com/DgYyQKqdXB
— Salim Nadim Valji (@salimvalji) October 27, 2024
Kadri has six points in eight games this season, but he’s also shown frustration with 16 penalty minutes and a minus-5 rating. Kadri’s comments may sound reasonable to fans who feel the team has faced tough calls recently.
Apart from Nazem Kadri, Rasmus Andersson also admitted frustration due to penalties
The Calgary Flames lost to the Winnipeg Jets, despite putting in a solid effort. Mikael Backlund scored early for Calgary, giving them a quick 1–0 lead. Nikolaj Ehlers tied it 1–1, and Kyle Connor added a shorthanded goal to put Winnipeg ahead 2–1.
Rasmus Andersson tied the game in the second period, banking a shot off the goalie. He understood the team’s frustration.
“I think we were better or outplayed them in big moments 5-on-5,” Andersson said per NHL.com. “It was just … 5-on-5 I thought we were the better team, honestly, and it was just too many penalties. Yeah, frustrating. Frustrating for sure.”
Despite the loss, beating the Flames was tough for Winnipeg on an eight-game winning streak.
