Major officiating controversy emerges in the Montreal Canadiens' first pre-season game
A major officiating controversy emerged in the Montreal Canadiens' first pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
It's the pre-season for everyone. Players, coaches, and even referees are slowly getting back into rhythm. It's normal to see some mistakes, and it's better to see them now than in the regular season.
Last night, the Philadelphia Flyers and John Tortorella were in Montreal to face the Canadiens. Many key players weren't on the ice for Philly, including top prospects Matvei Michkov and Jett Luchanko, who were in action the day before against the Washington Capitals.
The Habs ended up winning 5-0. Ten players contributed for the Canadiens, including Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, training camp revelation Oliver Kapanen, and veteran Josh Anderson.
However, the Flyers should've been the first team to get on the scoreboard.
Indeed, during a power play, Sean Couturier scored a goal, but the referees immediately refused it for goaltender interference.
Upon watching the replay, we can clearly see that the puck crosses the line and that no one touches Cayden Primeau, the Habs' goalie.
Check out the scene here:
This should've been a goal, giving the Flyers a 1-0 lead. This could've given them the momentum to get away with the win. But the Habs were relentless, always jumping on every opportunity to get into the offensive zone. We can't see how the game could've turned in the Flyers' favor with only one goal. They couldn't have stopped the Canadiens' four goals in the third period.
We'll never know what would have happened if the referees had made the right call on Couturier's goal. Unfortunately, this kind of situation is probably going to happen a few times during the season.
The Canadiens are set to get back on the ice tonight as they receive the New Jersey Devils in Montreal. They already revealed that Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky will be in action, giving fans an early taste of the team's official first line.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the referees made a mistake in the pre-season game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers? | ||
| Yes | 83 | 64.3 % |
| No | 46 | 35.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
