Two pairs of eyes, logic held, were needed to keep up with a game that had become bigger, faster and more complicated with obstruction and interference away from the puck too difficult for one man to manage. Three years into the two-man system, NHL managers, coaches and players still are not completely sold on its merits as a shortage of senior officials and apparent clash of styles between the two referees on the ice leave some coaches and players confused as to what is and what is not going to be called a penalty. Some of its harshest critics contend the two-man system has just given people twice as much to complain about. The two-man system is in its infancy, but it's been well worth it. The officiating is in a better place than it's ever been.
Sports endorse the change.
That doesn't mean critics are shy about talking as long as they are granted anonymity. One of the biggest areas of frustration is one over which no one has real control and only time can fix. The decision to use two referees for every one of the NHL's 1,230 games this season has meant young, inexperienced referees have had to be rushed to the NHL level to fill the spots in the two-man system. It used to be a referee might work eight or 10 years in the minors before getting a chance to be a full-time NHL zebra. We welcome your feedback.