Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville stated the referees erred in their decision to disallow the team's second period goal for goaltender interference.
The Blackhawks trailed the Detroit Red Wings by a single goal in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinal on Monday night, when Viktor Stalberg attempted a shot on net that seemingly tied the contest only moments after Patrick Kane had scored the team's first goal of the game.
However, the officials determined that Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard was obstructed by Chicago forward Andrew Shaw, who was in the crease. This led to the on-ice officials immediately ruling no-goal from the moment the puck crossed the goal line.
It appears as though Shaw didn't make contact with Howard and attempted to avoid the goaltender at all cost.
This is how Quenneville viewed the situation, via USA Today:
"I disagree with the call. He didn't touch the goalie."
Captain Jonathan Toews also expressed that Howard was cleanly allowed to make the save and that Shaw's presence had little to do with the puck entering the net.
This play was a continuation of controversial circumstances for the on-ice officials. On Kane's goal, Red Wings forward Johan Franzen was checked into the boards in the Chicago defensive zone, which helped gain puck possession for the Blackhawks in order to move the puck up ice.
Some believe Franzen was illegally hit and the play should not have been allowed to progress. This has led to speculation that the disallowed goal was a makeup call. Whether that is truly the case is up for interpretation.
Detroit ultimately went on to win the game, 3-1, and hold a 2-1 series lead.
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