Craig Berube Blasts NHL Officiating During the Game vs. the Washington Capitals

During Friday's game against the Washington Capitals, it was not one of Toronto's best games but their loss wasn't necessarily reflected on the scoresheet. While they lost 3-1, it wasn't just from Washington overpowering them.

In what could be starting to be a pattern, Toronto was given no leeway and no breaks when it came to the officiating in the game, with not only several questionable calls, but a kicked puck that directly lead to the game winning goal.

It was a bold display from the officiating crew, and it's something Toronto has unfortunately felt the sting of all too well this season. It irked Craig Berube something fierce, with the Leafs bench boss losing his marbles on the refs due to another bad take.

The animated Berube was relaying to the referee as kindly as possible that he had two terrible calls, and it's hard to argue when the penalties are very questionable such as Oliver Ekman-Larsson's slashing minor.

Not to mention earlier in the game when Ekman-Larsson was called for a very feint high stick that Tom Wilson sold like he had been shot.

Ekman-Larsson's reaction to the call says it all too, as the veteran defender was none too pleased.

In total, the Maple Leafs ended up with four penalties to Washington's two and it's a question of whether the team isn't disciplined enough, or a product of some bad officiating.

Superstar William Nylander wasn't happy, and had a sarcastic smirk as he went over to give the refs a piece of his mind as well:

This happened earlier in the season when Zach Whitecloud wasn't penalized for injuring Matthew Knies, but get a double minor from an exaggerated high stick.

Craig Berube has a right to be frustrated, as Toronto at times feels like they are playing both the opponents and the referees.

The team will look to rebound from their tough loss on Saturday night as they take on Sidney Crosby and the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins.