Referees Under Fire For One Of The Worst Calls In Recent Memory
During last night's preseason NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ottawa Senators, an officiating oversight was glaringly evident.
One of the worst officiating sequences you'll see. But it's pre-season.
Was This A Penalty?
Penguins defender, Erik Karlsson, was stick checked by Tim Stutzle, causing Karlsson to trip, yet the referee didn't immediately deem it a penalty. Only after Karlsson fell and a potential breakaway goal opportunity arose for the Senators, did the referee finally call the penalty.
Just so that everyone can get out of my replies, here's the replay. Karlsson very clearly begins tripping prior to being touched.
Late Whistles Make For Bad Hockey
A call like this either is or is not a penalty. Instead of making calls based strictly on the infractions committed on the ice, the NHL seems to be more concerned with maintaining game parity and emphasizing pivotal plays. The events that take place on the ice after the alleged infraction should not determine if something is a penalty and the ref's hand clearly didn't go up until after Karlsson made a play. Fans and players alike hope that the league can work towards more consistent and fair officiating in the upcoming season.
Rachel is right I highly doubt in a crucial moment an NHL ref would neglect or not see a game changing holding call!!
As Read On Blade of Steel - Referee admits brutal mistake on ice in preseason
| POLL | ||
Was that tripping penalty a good call? | ||
| Good Call | 0 | 0 % |
| Good Call, but late whistle | 5 | 71.4 % |
| Not A Penalty | 2 | 28.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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