There was some rough stuff between the Capitals and Jets early in Saturday’s game, but the contest ended in an even rougher fashion.
It only makes too much sense that the on-ice official oddly stuttered in announcing that Mark Scheifele’s overtime game-winner counted, as it was a very ... stilted review process.
You can see the decisive goal (and much of the strange theater) in the video above.
Here’s the league’s official explanation via its Situation Room Blog.
At 4:40 of overtime in the Capitals/Jets game, the Situation Room initiated a review under the terms of a Coach’s Challenge to examine whether Winnipeg was off-side prior to Mark Scheifele’s goal.
Review was not conclusive in determining whether Winnipeg was off-side prior to the goal. According to Rule 78.7, “If a review is not conclusive and/or there is any doubt whatsoever as to whether the call on the ice was correct, the On-Ice Official(s) will be instructed to confirm their original call.”
Therefore the original call stands – good goal Winnipeg Jets.
Controversy and confusion aside, the goal did count, so Winnipeg’s 2-1 OT win ended Washington’s winning streak at six games.
That funky finish was a field day for those who have issues with the review system, particularly with offside calls leading to more than a few controversies early in 2015-16.
The rare Challenge a Failed Challenge ... https://t.co/4OMoe0TyKX
— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) December 5, 2015
Yeah, any offside had a lot to do with that OT goal in Winnipeg. Totally asinine. Make it stop, @NHL
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) December 5, 2015
IMHO Replay review should not be used for offside calls in the NHL.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) December 5, 2015
Goalie duel
That strange bit of drama took some of the spotlight away from two H-named goaltenders who are on impressive hot streaks.
It’s no surprise that Braden Holtby is playing well.
Holtby stopped 34 out of 36 shots in this one, and while his eight-game winning run ended along with Washington’s team streak hitting a wall, he’s playing at the level we saw in his near-Vezina-caliber 2014-15 campaign.
The more fascinating story might be Connor Hellebuyck.
He’s now on a three-game winning streak in which he’s allowed a single goal in each victory. This marked his best work yet, as he turned aside 37 out of 38 shots.
With Ondrej Pavelec hurt and Michael Hutchinson struggling, Hellebuyck may just fuel more changes in Winnipeg’s net. Considering how brutal the Central Division is right now, it’s likely that Paul Maurice will be happy to ride the hot hand.
There’s no doubt that Hellebuyck is that play right now.