Kris Knoblauch defends his decision in failed Coach's Challenge last night

In case you missed it last night, the Edmonton Oilers were able to mount a comeback over the Florida Panthers following a devastating failed Coach's Challenge in the 1st period of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Panthers forward Sam Bennett tied the game at 1-1 but the goal was immediately challenged by Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch for goaltender interference. Ultimately, it was ruled that Bennett had NOT interfered with Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner and the goal was allowed to stand.

Even worse though, because of Knoblauch's failed challenge, the Oilers were assessed a 2 minute 'delay of game' penalty and the Panthers scored on the ensuing powerplay to take a 2-1 advantage.

Yikes...

Of course, the Oilers managed to rally back and win the game 4-3 in overtime, but afterwards coach Knoblauch was grilled on his decision to challenge Bennett's goal. The coach stood firm in his decision saying, "if that play happens again I’d challenge it again.”

I'm not sure that's the right decision, in fact evidence says the exact opposite, but I respect Knoblauch's resolve on the matter. You can argue with the results, but not with his commitment to fight for his team.

For a full recap on Bennett's goal, read our earlier report from Hockey Feed staff writer Chris Gosselin published as events occurred yesterday evening.

The Edmonton Oilers and their fans were so ready for the sequel of last year’s Stanley Cup Final. In Game 1 against the Florida Panthers in Edmonton, the crowd was loud and the players hungry. Leon Draisaitl scored 66 seconds in and it looked like the local team was going to be unstoppable.

Until, Sam Bennett got very close to goalie Stuart Skinner. A pass for Carter Verhaeghe came through and deflected off Bennett and the Cats tied the game up. However, the Oilers’ bench immediately challenged the goal, claiming it was goalie interference.

This was a terrible decision by the Oilers seeing that the “actions of the defenseman knocked Bennett in, the Situation Room ruled.

This therefore led to a Panthers’ power-play since the goal stood and on the man advantage, Brad Marchand found the back of the net to give Florida their first lead of the series.

Fans were quickly to chant ’Ref, you suck’ and it only added to the chaos and controversy of the first game of this more than likely long series. 

It was a power-play riddled first period and lots of opportunities for goals. And referees getting booed. You got everything!