Goal controversy in Toronto could have been avoided with chip technology, but…
If only Matthews would have kept his mouth shut…
HockeyFeed
Right before the start of the third period of Game 5 of the second round series between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL came out with its official explanation to the non-goal that caused so much controversy in the second period.
The league explained that the referees deemed that the play was dead. With what could be seen on the screen, it determined that the puck never crossed the goal line, and when it did, under the skate blade of goalie Sergei Bobrovsky it was after the whistle.
The controversy could have been avoided if the NHL and its players had kept developing the idea of puck tracking technology. Many insiders and fans pointed it out right after the decision on the ice stood.
The thing is, Auston Matthews did not like the chip technology. Two years ago, when Jason Spezza was still playing for the Maple Leafs, Matthews had commented on the puck with the imbedded tracking technology after the NHL has chosen to remove it from its technology planned. Matthews and other players had complained about inconsistencies early in the 2020-21 season.
The Leafs’ star forward had found the weight to be off.
“Spezz was the first one to bring it up. I told him that’s why I couldn’t capitalize on some of the chances I’ve had. There was a little bit of a difference in the weight.”
Maybe that’s something the league need to bring back to the table and get the right puck tracking device to make clear accurate calls especially in do or die games of the postseason.
