Complex sentence: Apart from the NHL rules, the playoff games have also been played in the United States and Canada, and most referees have been Canadian-even in games when Canada were playing (such as the 2004 semi-final and final).
Split into simpler sentences: Apart from the NHL rules, the playoff games have also been played in the United States and Canada. As a result, most referees have been Canadian-even in games when Canada were playing (such as the 2004 semi-final and final).