Legendary NHL voice Don Cherry doesn't mince words about officiating in Game 2 of Oilers vs Panthers Stanley Cup Final

Don Cherry tore into the refereeing in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers.

The hockey legend didn’t hold back on Episode 311 of "The Don Cherry’s Grapevine Podcast" on Sunday, calling it the worst refereed game in his time watching the sport.

"That was the worst refereed game I think I ever saw," Cherry said. "It was that one. It was unbelievable."

Cherry aired his frustration with missed calls that led directly to two Panthers goals: the opener and the double-overtime winner. The officiating duo of Chris Rooney and Jean Hebert faced heavy criticism from the veteran commentator, who has spent decades coaching, watching and analyzing hockey.

One missed referee call came early in the game when Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm lost his stick while blocking a shot. Florida’s Sam Bennett kicked the stick away. It was a clear interference, but no call was made, and Florida capitalized shortly after.

Later, in the second overtime, Edmonton’s Viktor Arvidsson was impeded by a sixth Florida player on the ice, which should’ve drawn a too-many-men penalty, but the referees stayed silent.

"There should have been a power play," Cherry said about too many men instance.

Ironically, Cherry admitted that the refs got one call right: a penalty on Sam Bennett for goaltender interference. Bennett had crashed into Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner.

"Bennett did fall on him," Cherry said about Bennett.

Don Cherry compared Bennett’s style with old-school enforcers like Wayne Cashman and Gary Dornhoefer. Both were notorious for collapsing onto goalies in a way that avoided penalties while still disrupting plays.

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Panthers' Sam Bennett doesn't agree with the penalty call

Sam Bennett was asked about the goaltender interference penalty he received after colliding with Stuart Skinner in Game 2. He said he was "very surprised" and walked away without saying more.

The play happened late in the first period with the score tied. Replays showed Mattias Ekholm appearing to push Bennett before the contact. Skinner stayed down for a moment but stayed in the game. Bennett got a two-minute penalty, and the Oilers scored on the power play.

The incident caused debate, but the Panthers came back to win the game 5-4 in double overtime. Game 3 is in Florida, with the series tied at one apiece.