Another night, another controversial offside review in the NHL.
Hours after the league admitted an overturned goal from Thursday's action should have counted, the Buffalo Sabres appeared to have been on the wrong end of another challenge.
The goal was scored by Daniel Sedin, on a play where it appeared as though Jake Virtanen was clearly offside.
The Sabres challenged the call, resulting in a lengthy review.
From time referee announced challenge to time he announced good goal, Canucks' offside review took 4:27. Felt much longer at first.
— Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Sport) October 21, 2017
The call on the ice of a good goal was eventually upheld, much to Sabres head coach Phil Housley's dismay.
— steph (@myregularface) October 21, 2017
Here's a sample of the reaction on Twitter:
#Sabres use Coach's Challenge.. looked offside on the play. 🤔
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 21, 2017
But refs say good goal after a lengthy review.
@NHL hockey fans are going to need an explanation of the lack of reversal on the offside review at 8:10 of the second period of VAN@BUF.
— Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) October 21, 2017
The offside review needs to go, it’s a waste of time
— Satiar Shah (@SatiarShah) October 21, 2017
This review is about possession. If Virtanen is deemed to have control it is a good goal. If no control on play it is offside.
— Martin Biron (@martybiron43) October 21, 2017
Well @Thats_Offside but they still counted it! 3-2 #Canucks.
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) October 21, 2017
Holy hell. This isn't even a toenail challenge. It's not close. https://t.co/fNh087W7zG
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) October 21, 2017
For the record, here's the official explanation from the NHL:
After reviewing all available replays and consulting with the Linesman, NHL Hockey Operations staff confirmed that Vancouver's Jake Virtanen had possession and control of the puck as he entered the attacking zone prior to the goal. According to Rule 83.1, "a player actually controlling the puck who shall cross the line ahead of the puck shall not be considered 'off-side,' provided he had possession and control of the puck prior to his skates crossing the blue line."
Therefore the original call stands - good goal Vancouver Canucks.
The explanation, however, did not help.
After the referee announced it was a goal, a more enhanced replay was shown on the big board that made it seem otherwise.
— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) October 21, 2017
Clearly there's still some work to do with these reviews.
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