Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca. Its an "Ace" of a day here in South New Jersey and Im in a very happy mood. I recorded my first ever hole-in–one this morning on the par 3, 135 yard fourth hole at the Atlantic City Country Club with an eight iron into a stiff wind and drizzle off the Bay. As they say, even a blind squirrel (or ref) can find a nut once in a while! Enjoy the games tonight. - Kerry Hi Kerry, In seemingly all of his games since the playoffs have started, Brad Marchand has had a talking to by the referee for stick work after the whistle. The commentators keep referring to Marchand getting "a warning." But if this is happening every game, shouldnt these warnings turn into penalties at some point? Does the league allow or encourage officials to pass this type of information on from one game to the next? Thanks,JonathanToronto, ON Jonathan: NHL officials do share information with one another. The fastest lines of communication are the telephone, telegraph and tell a ref! The series supervisor updates each new crew at a game-day noon meeting as to what has taken place in previous games. There are no surprises; especially when it comes to certain hotspots the officials need to be aware of involving players from both teams. The referees want to do their very best to allow the players to play on the edge while maintaining an element of control; especially in a game seven. With regard to game control, the intelligent official will communicate with players and coaches when he deems it necessary to bring their negative emotions down a notch. I often noticed that player aggression could escalate during a shift or subsequent shifts. It was almost like a snowball rolling down a hill that gathered momentum. It was almost predictable as a player became less disciplined and likely to commit an infraction resulting in a penalty call. Im not referring to some spontaneous retaliation or foul but a tendency that players demonstrated to lose their discipline through a series of ragged play. Scrums and confrontations after the whistle are the most opportune time for player hostilities and paybacks to escalate. Scrums take the focus away from playing the game to instead administering punishment or getting even. When that occurs the refs have to take measures to get players refocused; usually with the fear that a penalty will be called to re-establish acceptable guidelines. The most successful refs are the one that get the players to play on their terms without having to continually lay the hammer down! The entertainment value of the game is maximized whenever that takes place. There comes a point though when the communication efforts have no effect and the refs arm must go up to call a penalty. I just dont want to single out Brad Marchand of the Bruins. Brendan Gallagher of the Habs is another pesky little guy that can really stir things up. Both are emotional players that bring plenty of energy to their game and can draw a crowd. Whether it is going hard to the net and making contact with the goalkeeper or initiating contact after the whistle in an effort to draw a foul, both players have earned the right to be on the refs radar screen. Officials develop a working relationship with all players. Throughout that relationship building process a player has to clearly know when a referee means business; when he has had enough and the hammer is about to fall! Speaking from personal experience, players didnt often mistake my piercing look and terse body language or tone for knowing when it was time to back off and take their foot off the gas pedal. When I issued a "warning" to a player I often told him I could be his best advocate or his worst friggin nightmare - the choice was his? A referee can also solicit the assistance of a respected team leader or captain that he has a good relationship with to get his teammate under control before the ref is forced to take action. I often used the coach in this capacity to instill some discipline in one of his players. When I had enough of the scrums (which was very quickly) I went to each coach and told them I had enough and was going to penalize one player only in a scrum. Since it might just be their player I asked them to take control before I was forced to put his team down a man! They usually cooperated; if not it only took one such penalty for them to understand I meant business. What the referees are attempting to do with a player like Brad Marchand is to establish some self-discipline through an element of reason. Reminding the player that taking a penalty will put his team in the hole can be one way to do that as I have described above. It is important for the ref to choose his words wisely and not "threaten" the player with, "If you do that one more time" routine. Game 7 is not the time for any player to test the referees resolve; nor is it the time for the referees to lay the hammer down without some fair warning. I think the message has been delivered and the pests will play their typical game but just on the edge. Talk is often cheap but everything is on the line for both teams tonight! Wilmer Difo Jersey . The Missouri Tigers Defensive End and SEC Defensive player of the year is eligible for the upcoming NFL draft in May. Patrick Corbin Jersey . Since coming to the big leagues in late May, La Stella is 6 for 7 with the bases loaded, driving in 13 runs in those at-bats. https://www.cheapnationals.com/1507r-car...-nationals.html. -- Marty Havlat scored three goals for the first time in nearly nine years, and the San Jose Sharks prevented Colorado from clinching the Central Division title with a 5-1 victory over the Avalanche on Friday night. Anthony Rendon Nationals Jersey . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Marc-Andre Fleury, Penguins (3) - Surrendered a tough first goal against on a deflection through the body short side. James Bourque Jersey .com) - The surging Montreal Canadiens will try to match their longest winning streak of the season when they visit the Florida Panthers for Saturdays clash at BB&T Center.The 2014 NBA Draft will be a historic one for Canadian basketball, with as many as seven players from Canada - three of them as high as the first round - possibly selected. In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Watch the 2014 NBA Draft on TSN, Thursday at 7pm et/4pm pt. Name: Dwight PowellFrom: Toronto, OntarioPlayed: Stanford UniversityHeight: 611Weight: 235 Position: Power Forward2013-2014 Stats: 14 points per game, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists Breakout Game: 22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists in win vs. California Feb 5th.Accolades: 2013-14 All Pac-12 First Team, Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year.Draft Projection: Mid-late second round. Dwight Powell isnt supposed to be here. Stanford yielded a handful of NBA pros and hadnt been to the NCAA Tournament since 2008 - not the standard route to becoming an NBA Draft prospect. Last year, after a standout junior season, he earned himself a spot on the All Pac-10 First Team. Powell averaged 14.9 points and 8.4 rebounds making an NBA career a legitimate possibility. Usually a promise from a team committing to select them makes a player leave college early. In this case, Powell made a promise to his mother, who was ailing from cancer to finish school, get his degree and compete in the NCAA tournamment for the first time.dddddddddddd Jacqueline Weir passed in 2012 and while its no secret Powell led the Cardinals to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament in March, what got him there and what tools will he need to excel at the next level? Powell is a forward who can face up on the floor whether to make a move to create his own shot or facilitate for others, as hes a more than capable passer for his size/position. While he will need to bulk up for the NBA game, his length (7 wingspan) and mobility are assets. Powell posses a strong basketball IQ, and while his motor isnt in question, an on court intensity would be welcomed. He will need to develop more consistency in a number of areas, particularly with his jump shot and adding range. With more potential than project, Powell has a skill set to contribute to an NBA team and enough talent and physical gifts to build upon. While many were expecting significant jumps from his on court performance from his junior to senior years, the growth in character and leadership cannot be overlooked either. Powell competed for the national program as a key member of Canadas Mens Developmental basketball team that traveled overseas tallying a 15-2 record last summer. Powell kept his word to his mother, now he just has to show enough promise to warrant an NBA team realizing he has enough of it, to select him. ' ' '