
Has the NHL just screwed the Edmonton Oilers?
Boy oh boy this is one that fans are going to be discussing for a very long time.
Game 4 of the opening round Stanley Cup playoff series between the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks has just concluded in major controversy after the National Hockey League officials on the ice made a call that no one can seem to find an explanation for, a call that had a profound impact on the outcome of the game.
Regulation wasn't able to determine a winner in Game 4 so both teams headed to overtime, and it would be in sudden death overtime that the controversy would arise. At 2:29 of the overtime frame, Ducks forward Ryan Poehling would put the puck in the back of the Oilers net, with the officials on the ice ruling it a good goal in real time.
That is where the controversy begins as many have pointed out that there was no official behind the net that could have properly made a determination as to whether or not the puck had crossed the goal line.
"The issue I have with this is I don't understand how they could... there's no official behind the net there," said NHL insider Elliotte Friedman during the post-game broadcast. "How can you say that the puck is conclusively over?"
Friedman's co-host on the panel, former NHL defenseman Kevin Bieksa, also questioned the actions of the officials on the ice.
"He didn't say it right here," said Bieksa pointing to the officials actions when the goal was scored. "He's like 'I don't know, hold on, let me think about it' and then all of a sudden they huddle... and after the huddle they rule it a goal on the ice."
The officials were provided with an overhead view that does appear to show the puck is over the goal line, however it is impossible to make a conclusive determination due to the fact that it is obstructed by the skate of Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry. Had the officials, who couldn't possibly have seen the puck cross the goal line, not immediately ruled it a good goal the outcome likely would have been very different.
You can see a visual representation of where the officials were standing here:
Did the Oilers get robbed? Did the officials make the right call? Let me hear your take on this highly controversial moment in the comments.
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Jonathan has been writing for Hockey Feed since it's inception. He began skating almost as soon as he could walk and has been an an avid and lifelong hockey fan ever since.
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