Maple Leafs & Capitals game shrouded in controversy over multiple video reviews
The Toronto Maple Leafs won a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.
The game was notably marked by four video reviews that shaped its outcome.
The first two reviews occurred in the second period while John Carlson of the Capitals initially believed he had given his team a 3-1 lead after scoring on the Leafs' goalie Joseph Woll.
However, Toronto head coach Craig Berube successfully challenged the play and replays showed that Washington's Nic Dowd interfered with Woll which disallowed the goal.
Soon after, Matthew Knies of the Maple Leafs was penalized with a high-sticking double-minor and due to the nature of the infraction, officials reviewed the call, revealing that Dowd had actually collided with Knies' shoulder and the call was overturned.
In the third period, with the Capitals up 3-1, Toronto's Steven Lorentz thought he had cut the deficit after a puck deflected off his body into the net.
Yet, the goal was called back once again following a review and the NHL explained that Lorentz had deliberately directed the puck into the net with his leg and violated the Rule 78.5.
This rule disallows goals scored by intentionally batting the puck with any body part other than the stick. Berube expressed confusion over this decision by arguing it wasn't a kicking motion but a redirection off a shin pad.
Shortly after, the Leafs seemed to equalize when Matthew Knies tipped in a Morgan Rielly shot but the goal was immediately waved off for a high stick.
Despite some believing the goal should stand, the replay confirmed the puck had been contacted above the crossbar.
Despite the setbacks, Toronto tied the game in the final minute with a Mitch Marner goal and John Tavares sealed the win in overtime.
The frequent reviews sparked discussion and raised questions about the consistency of NHL replay decisions.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 14 | 134 ANSWERS Maple Leafs & Capitals game shrouded in controversy over multiple video reviews Do you think the referee should intervene less in those types of play? | ||
| Yes | 119 | 88.8 % |
| No | 15 | 11.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
