3 players that are above the law
Whether it be a combination of luck, sucking up to authority, or even skill, some players just have a knack of getting calls to go their way.
With goals and power plays becoming such a valuable commodity in the current NHL, players must do what they can to give themselves and their teams an edge.
Here are three players who have managed to get the benefit of the doubt more often than not:
Sidney Crosby
While Sidney Crosby holds the title as the most skilled player in the world, many are also well aware that he's not above complaining to get his way.
Sure, it's not uncommon to see Crosby pleading for calls from the referees, but that's a byproduct of his competitive nature and never-ending desire to give his team any advantage he can.
When you also hold the title as the most skilled player in the game, you tend to get a pass - just ask Kerry Fraser and members of the 1993 Toronto Maple Leafs.
The special treatment Crosby sometimes receives certainly hasn't gone unnoticed by his recent opponents - just ask San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture.
Mike Smith
Mike Smith might not be the superstar that's given the benefit of the doubt like Crosby, but you could definitely say he's guilty of on-ice fraud.
Smith has had his fair share of calls go his way, and on multiple occasions has even had the luxury of goals being called off - seemingly for no reason - after being run into by opposing players.
However, a few YouTube searches will show that Smith has a suspiciously high amount of collisions occur when he leaves his net to play the puck, with more than one resulting in him doing a complete 360 upon contact.
Let's just say it certainly raises skepticism.
Henrik Lundqvist
It must be a goalie thing.
If anyone is to be given special treatment, one would assume it would be a King, no?
While Lundqivst is undoubtedly among the best puck-stoppers in the game, over the years he's developed another skill: acting.
Life as a goalie in the NHL is anything but easy, and run-ins and collisions are sure to happen, but they seem to happen much more frequently to Lundqvist. However - much like Smith - closer looks show that, at times, what appears to be goalie interference is nothing more than Henrik's Oscar-worthy acting skills.
But hey, whatever works.
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