Oilers need shootout to down Flames after more interference controversy
The Edmonton Oilers rallied behind Connor McDavid's shootout winner against the Calgary Flames after yet another controversial goaltender interference call in overtime reversed the team's seemingly legitimate tiebreaker.
Ryan Strome looked to have scored his first goal in 13 games in the extra period, sliding a McDavid rebound past goaltender David Rittich.
RYAN STROME IN OVERTIME! or not....
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) January 26, 2018
Goalie interference was called on this play, do you agree? pic.twitter.com/TaYdjF4RLQ
Not so fast.
The league offices reviewed the play for potential goaltender interference and to the dismay of most, they found Rittich had been hampered by interference, consequently overturning the goal.
The decision had Twitter up in arms, especially given the abundance of questionable goaltender interference calls made this week - just ask Auston Matthews.
Just saw the goalie interference call in the Oilers game. This is absurd. I am totally disillusioned with what they think they’re trying to accomplish. It’s clear the rule is “we don’t know what the rule is, so we will throw darts on each review” Signed, NHL
— Ray Ferraro (@rayferrarotsn) January 26, 2018
Goalie interference challenges overturned from "goal" to "no goal"
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) January 26, 2018
This season: 33
All of last season: 35
McDavid scores in SO and skates by ref and says... "Check upstairs." Classic.
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) January 26, 2018
CAL/EDM was phenomenal tonight, maybe best game I've seen this year...but the NHL needs to take a long look at goaltender interference during the break.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 26, 2018
If this is goaltender interference, then so is calling him a name https://t.co/J3SyGxZ4rK
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) January 26, 2018
The question now is whether something will be done to address what is a seemingly worsening issue.