Officiating row erupts after Lane Hutson-Brayden Point incident in Game 5
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The NHL officiating debate took center stage after Game 5 between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, April 29.
A second-period incident involving Brayden Point and Lane Hutson triggered strong reactions across the hockey community. Point appeared to high-stick and then deliberately slashed Hutson’s legs, yet officials made no call. Tampa Bay later scored in the same sequence, adding to the frustration among Montreal fans and analysts.
Analyst Matt Drake posted the clip on X and criticized the decision. He called the missed call “atrocious officiating,” a view echoed widely online.
However, another uncalled moment happened when Nikita Kucherov appeared to slash Zachary Bolduc.
MORE: Coach Jon Cooper calls it ‘disappointing’ as Lightning fall to Canadiens in Game 5
Social media quickly filled with complaints, with both sides debating over the missed officiating call. Fans have accused referees of missing repeated physical plays across multiple games.
“Ya, how did they miss the stick coming up after he was elbowed in the head. Stop being soft and bias. You look like a fool,” a fan said.
“Bolduc got slash, punch and elbowed all 3 no calls,” one fan wrote.
“Delusional Montreal fan. Typical. Completely ignore the elbow that led to Point falling down in the first place. Keep crying,” one fan reacted.
“It’s getting embarrassing now, 5 straight games. Someone in the organization needs to speak up and take the fine,” a fan wrote.
Another fan referenced Soccer and wrote, “NHL hockey is becoming a joke like soccer. Hutson needed to make a big show out of it to get a call, I guess. That’s what the Lightning does anyway 🤷🏻”
“Ah, yes lets just mention everything other than the initial elbow to the face of Point, the “refs are against the Habs” narrative works great when you just shape the narrative to whatever you want it to be, I guess!” A fan pointed.
Lane Hutson assisted on the game-winning goal for the Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Despite the controversy, Hutson stayed composed and influenced the outcome. He assisted on Alexandre Texier’s go-ahead goal just 1:06 into the third period. That play proved decisive in Montreal’s 3-2 win.
Hutson also reached 10 playoff points in 10 games, beating Chris Chelios as the fastest Canadiens defenseman to hit that mark.
MORE: Canadiens coach sends clear message as Kirby Dach flips script after online threats
Montreal’s depth also stepped up. Brendan Gallagher scored in his first game of the series, while Kirby Dach added another goal. Rookie goalie Jakub Dobes made 38 saves to secure the win.
For Tampa Bay, Dominic James and Jake Guentzel scored, but it was not enough.
The Canadiens now lead the series 3-2, with Game 6 set in Montreal. Every game has been decided by one goal, keeping the contest tight. Yet after Game 5, the spotlight is also going to be on officiating.
