The NHL reached out to George McPhee to issue an apology for the officiating in Game 7, the Vegas Golden Knights general manager told reporters, including The Athletic's Jesse Granger, on Thursday.

"They made a mistake and I’m sure they feel bad about it," McPhee said.

Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin was handed a controversial five-minute major and a game misconduct in the third period of the decisive contest against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night for cross-checking Joe Pavelski, who left the game bloodied and didn't return.

The Sharks, who trailed 3-0 when the penalty was called, scored four times on the power play and ultimately prevailed in overtime.

Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault called the major penalty "a f---ing joke" and "embarrassing" when asked about it postgame.

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