It’s easy to criticize the refereeing, but we have to admit it’s been rough at that level in the most recent games for the Montreal Canadiens.

And it’s not just me saying it, many experts agree for the past few games, the referees seem to be struggling with certain calls.

We had very clear proof of that last night, during a controversial sequence involving Patrik Laine.

I can understand that officials might miss some calls. They’re human, and that’s totally normal.

But how can a National Hockey League referee miss such an obvious penalty, especially at such a crucial moment?

If, as Gary Bettman says, NHL referees are “the best in the world,” how can they miss something like that?

“Not that it would help, since the Habs’ power play has gone dark, but that was a ridiculous non-call.”

We’re talking about the following sequence:

Another tough night for the referees at the Bell Centre

In the end, there weren’t too many consequences, luckily, since Laine wasn’t injured, but it’s the kind of play we absolutely don’t want to see in a hockey game.

The Avalanche player clearly stuck out his knee, and we all know how badly that could’ve gone for Laine and the Canadiens.

Laine ended last night’s game with a point, a shootout goal, three shots on net, one blocked shot, and over 17 minutes of ice time!

He’s becoming effective again at 5-on-5, which is great news.

If Laine keeps playing like this (and if other teams leave his knees alone), it’ll be huge for Martin St-Louis’s squad heading into the final stretch of the season.