Buffalo Sabres rookie forward Zach Benson isn't going off in his first season. In 48 games played, he has six goals and 12 assists for 18 points this year. While his numbers are not anything to be excited about, I'm not bashing him because he has looked good despite having 18 points.
That's not the point of this article. For some reason, there's a trend happening involving Benson and the NHL referees. If you have watched the Sabres this year, you know what I'm talking about. It seems like Benson is the only player in the NHL who is getting called for the most harmless penalties, the most recent example coming in last night's loss against the Florida Panthers.
Add this to Zach Benson’s mystery penalty highlight reel pic.twitter.com/1mmUtpf6qc
— Crossing Swords ⚔️ (@CrossSwordsPod) February 28, 2024
Do me a favor. Please watch the video above credited to Crossing Swords on X, and tell me how that's a "hold" on Benson. He got dragged down by Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. While Kulikov did get a penalty on the play, Zach got called for one as well, but I would love to know how he got penalized.
Unfortunately for Benson, it's been a thing all season long. Why Zach is getting called for these phantom penalties? Obviously, the referees are not the best nowadays in any sport, but anyone with common sense could do a better job and not call Benson for the "penalties" he's been given.
Don't believe me? Check out some of these "penalties" on Zach this season and tell me if they were necessary.
NOTED GOON ZACH BENSON 2023-24 PENALTY HIGHLIGHT REEL
— #1 Ukkolyte (@femboyautoparts) February 28, 2024
ONLY THE VERY BEST pic.twitter.com/SzDS3rO9Lg
It's honestly pretty laughable some of these calls he's gotten. Out of those highlights from femboyautoparts on X, there were one or two that you can make a case for, but it wasn't anything bad compared to what you see nowadays.
Hopefully, the referees can find some common sense soon when they officiate a game when Benson is playing and redeem themselves.