TAMPA - NHL officiating was back in the spotlight Sunday night when a phantom high-sticking call led to the Tampa Bay Lightning scoring a key power play goal.
Washington's T.J. Oshie was penalized for high sticking, even though his stick never connected with Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman’s face. Both players were trying to play an airborne puck. Oshie’s stick nicked Hedman’s arm, and the puck struck Hedman in the face.
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was incensed by the decision and replays showed he had a legitimate right to complain.
Officials huddled before making the call. That kind of play is not subject to video review.
Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos then scored on the ensuing power play to give the Lightning a 2-1 lead.
Griping about officiating in the playoffs has long been a tradition in the NHL, but this season, the criticism has been heavier, and more warranted, than usual.
Multiple games have been influenced by muffed calls, such as a missed slashing call when Boston’s Brad Marchand was on a late-game breakaway in the second round.
Minnesota Wild coach Bruce Boudreau said during the first round that a missed cross-checking penalty by Winnipeg's Josh Morrissey against Wild center Eric Staal cost his team the game. Morrissey later was suspended one game for the infraction.
Washington's Tom Wilson wasn't penalized on the ice for a hit that bloodied Pittsburgh's Zach Aston-Reese in the second round. The Penguins announced after the game that Aston-Reese had a broken jaw, and Wilson was suspended for three games. Wilson later had an assist on the tying goal in the game.
Also, in the last round, Boston’s David Pastrnak was assessed a high-sticking penalty when Hedman hit himself with his own stick. Though it didn't result in a goal, the Bruins spent four minutes killing a penalty when they were trailing in the third period.
