It is always a shame when officiating seemingly sways a game in one direction or another.

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There’s no doubt the Rangers got the short end of a questionably called matchup with the Golden Knights on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, but this 3-2 overtime loss had been brewing since before any of the controversial calls were even made — or not made.

Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan said he wasn’t given an explanation for referee Chris Lee’s matching roughing penalties on Will Borgen and ex-Ranger Brett Howden at the 18:02 mark of the third period.

There appeared to be a minor every-shift tiff in front of the home bench, but the veteran bench boss maintained that “there was nothing going on.”