Author: Kevin Allen, USA TODAY

After the Sharks’ win against the Blues in OT of Game 3 of their series due to an illegal hand pass, it’s clear NHL officiating is in crisis mode.

Officiating decisions have drawn criticism in 2019 NHL playoffs, but Brett Hull’s illegal foot-in-the-crease goal decided a Stanley Cup championship.

Growing an NHL playoff beard is a time-honored tradition during the quest for the Stanley Cup; so is teasing players about their poor facial hair.

The Hurricanes trail the best-of-seven conference final 2-0, and they need to make a goalie change now or risk seeing their season end.

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour is incredibly fit in the weight room and behind the bench with his team in the Eastern Conference final.

Curtis McElhinney came in for Petr Mrazek, who was injured during Game 2, to make 17 saves as injury-ravaged Hurricanes come back to beat Islanders.

Tom Wilson scored a third-period goal and delivered an elbow to the Hurricanes’ Greg McKegg during the Capitals’ 6-0 rout in Game 5.

Playoff series wins by the Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders suggest a changing of the guard in the NHL.