NHL legend Wayne Gretzky shares thoughts on Sidney Crosby embellishment in Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers playoff Game 3

The Sidney Crosby controversy has rapidly turned into an issue of significant discussion in recent news of NHL news. In his heated playoff game, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins was given the yellow card due to embellishment, and both analysts and fans criticized him.The ruling has put more strain on the Pittsburgh team even before it faces one of the most crucial games, Game 4, as the Philadelphia Flyers have dominated the series. NHL veteran Wayne Gretzky has also reacted strongly to the debate, taking sides on the issue of the referee call.Sidney Crosby was fined in a case of embellishment when he received a high stick to the face in a face-off scenario. The referees judged comparable fines, such as a case of high-sticking charged to Garnet Hathaway, although Crosby was able to react, and he acquired his first embellishment penalty in the NHL.It happened in a very physical match and portrays the severity of this protracted rivalry. The call was made later, and Crosby said he was confused about how another penalty was put on the situation.Wayne Gretzky thinks that the referee went overboard and saved the reputation of Crosby. During one of his radio interviews, Gretzky made it clear that Crosby has been seen as a disciplined and respectable player all his career.Gretzky stressed that those of the quality of Crosby are not much given to embellishment, and the decision did not augur well with his record on the ice. His remarks have given weight to discussions that are going on regarding officiating in high-stakes NHL games.The Pittsburgh Penguins have a 3-goal lead versus the Philadelphia Flyers and are about to be hit. The outcome of Game 3 has further raised questions about the performance and officiating decisions.The physical style of Philadelphia and its consistent performance have put pressure on Pittsburgh. With Game 4 on the verge, the Penguins are going to need to live through the score deficit and to deflect the emotive backlash of such questionable moments as the penalty handed to Crosby.