Just hours after the NHL admitted to an offside challenge error, there was another controversy during the Sabres-Canucks game on Friday.
Vancouver appeared to take the lead on a Daniel Sedin goal. However, Buffalo coach Phil Housley challenged the play for offside, after replays showed Jake Virtanen may not have had complete control of the puck as he broke in over the blue line.
The following challenge resulted in a brutally long review. For Buffalo, it was also unsuccessful as, surprisingly, officials deemed Virtanen did have control of the puck as he entered the zone. The goal counted, Vancouver took the lead.
Housley was not happy about it.
— steph (@myregularface) October 21, 2017
Not only was the challenge unsuccessful, but the Sabres were penalized for delay of game as a result.
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.
It took 4:27 to come to a decision, too.
————
Cam Tucker is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @CamTucker_Sport.
MORE FROM NHL ON NBC SPORTS: