Referees missed major issue on Czechia’s go-ahead goal vs. Canada
Team Canada was on the ropes of elimination when Czechia scored late in the third period, but the goal shouldn’t have counted.
Thankfully Canada stepped up to score back to back goals and win, but they were on the brink of being eliminated while the referees showed total incompetence - Czechia had 8 players on the ice.
Czechia’s third period goal should not have counted due to missed too many men call
In such an important moment of an elimination game, it’s unbelievable this was entirely missed by the officials. Czechia had 8 players on the ice for the entire play, and even 6 players celebrating Palat’s 3-2 goal.
From the defensive zone all the way up until the goal off the rush, the refs missed an obvious too-many-men call that should’ve stopped play.
Regardless of the missed stoppage in play, Czechia’s goal may not have been possible if they didn’t have 8 players on the ice.
Czechia had Hertl block the shot to cause the turnover, then rushed up the ice with Pastrnak, Necas, and Palat. Fans clued in as soon as they noticed 4 forwards on the ice.
All played a key role in the goal, and it wouldn’t have been possible if the referees called the penalty as soon as Czechia touched the puck, which should have been the case.
It’s not like that goal could’ve been retroactively disallowed either. If it wasn’t for Canada’s late game heroics, they would’ve been eliminated from the tournament early on an egregious mistake from the referees.
Not only that, but Czechia should have been called for an interference penalty against Sidney Crosby. If that penalty was called, it’s possible Canada’s captain wouldn’t have been injured.
Even on the world stage, referees’ mistakes can still completely impact the results of a game.
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