There’s not much to say after that one. NHL officials, often criticized for their incompetency, lived up to their reputation on multiple occasions in Game 2. The officials were involved heavily on the scoreline, ruining what should have been a great playoff game between two strong teams.
Blown Icing
The linesman is supposed to notice when a player slows up to ensure an icing call. They didn’t and the Blackhawks were given a faceoff late in the second in the St. Louis zone. One shot from Duncan Keith later – the player who shouldn’t even be in this series due to a slap on the wrist for a brutal intent to injure – and the game is tied.
Reversed Blues Goal
Inconclusive defined: Not leading to a firm conclusion; not ending doubt or dispute.
What was conclusive about that call? Some point to the skate being above the line rather than down on it. Then why hasn’t the NHL called it that way all season long? There should be a ton of additional offside calls every game if the NHL was to actually call it that way.
The coach’s challenge had lost support during the season as it broke down things way behind the play that had nothing to do with the actual goal. Such was the case here and it cost the Blues a 2-0 lead.
Missed Interference
Go ahead and shove/jam the opposing goalie in the net. As long as you’re going for the puck (and wearing a Chicago sweater) you won’t be penalized. It seemed silly the Blues even had to challenge the call. It’s ludicrous the call stood even after the challenge. Elliott was shoved into the crease and that’s apparently acceptable.
Penalties
The call on Fabbri. The call on Tarasenko. The non-calls on numerous incidents involving Chicago. This game was officiated by a group of morons. Name calling won’t get you far, but here it’s too accurate.
Summary
Screwed.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
