Oilers get stung by controversial goalie interference call from NHL referees
Photo credit: Sportsnet
The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers first period began with a slew of penalty calls, but none more important than Sam Bennett's goal that was challenged for goalie interference.
Sam Bennett is a player that's got a long history of bumping the opposing goalies in the playoffs, and it continued in Game 1. It even worked well in favour of the Panthers.
NHL explains controversial goalie interference call involving Sam Bennett
The Oilers had a hot start quickly erased by the Panthers when Sam Bennett scored off a deflection in front of the net. Bennett clearly made contact with Skinner in the blue paint, and the Oilers quickly challenged for goalie interference.
The entire broadcast, plenty of NHL insiders, and fans all in the moment believed it would be overturned due to the contact in the crease. However, referees ruled it a good goal due to Kulak's contact with Bennett.
Bennett and Walman were clearly battling for position in front of the net, and out of the crease. As soon as the puck came and Kulak made the softest contact with Bennett, the Panthers forward just happened to fall into the net.
For player with such a tough reputation, he went down awfully easy and at a convenient time to hit the goalie.
Sam Bennett has long history with interfering with goalies
As many have pointed out, Bennett's long history with goalie contact creates some thought that he's selling out for the call.
Bennett clearly milked the contact from Kulak, and probably would have done so off Walman anyway. The Panthers pest forward has been around these situations far too often for it not to be part of his strategy at this point.
To make matters worse, the Panthers scored on the ensuing powerplay from the Oilers losing their coach's challenge. Now, they have to dig out of a hole to get a win in Game 1 on home ice.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 752 ANSWERS Oilers get stung by controversial goalie interference call from NHL referees Do you think this goal should've been called goalie interference? | ||
| Yes | 653 | 86.8 % |
| No | 99 | 13.2 % |
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