A few bad calls ended the Leafs hopes of going 5-0-0 to start the season, however, it wasn't a complete loss, the Leafs did manage to get a point when Phil Kessel got a late 3rd period goal that sent the game to OT.
The thing is though, that tying goal should have actually been the game winning goal. For those of you that missed it, Kris Versteeg netted a goal that was called off due to the linesman that was well behind the play having his arm raised indicating a high stick. The actual Ref that was standing right by the net didn't seem to think it was a high stick.
The rule is, that it is not when the whistle blows, but when the official intended to blow the play dead. That's all fine and dandy, but the worst part of that rule is that any goal that happens is not reviewable. That to me is bullshit. Not just because it happened to my team last night, but it sucks for fans of any team, and of any sport for that matter.
Sure game officials are human and will make mistakes, the fact that all pro sports leagues seem to side with incompetence rather than admit and correct any mistake that was made. When the people in the back of the arena, as well as the people watching at home can clearly see something that was missed, or called incorrectly, why is it that the officials can't?
One of the announcers had a great point, I can't recall his name at the moment as I was drunk out of my mind by that point in the game, anyway, his point was that anytime a goal is scored in a situation such as the one last night, it should always be reviewable. Had the goal been reviewed, and then disallowed, then I believe most would have felt a lot better about things.
Right after the non goal, one of the Islander Dmen sat on Versteeg along the boards for a good 5 or so seconds. No call on that, but when Versteeg was finally allowed to stand up, out of frustration slashed the NY players stick, and the ref sure seen that. It reminded me of the bullshit cross-checking penalty given to Mike Komisarek after he tapped Sean Avery at the end of a play right after Avery's double slash on Komisarek happened.
It makes me wonder if Refs have personal beef with players, or some agenda. We have all seen it in games before. Games, series, championships all ruined by a bad call. Former NBA ref Tim Donaghy is a good example of shady business that sports officials get into. Fixing games, calling certain players or teams more harshly than others, and letting some get away with murder. This guy just got caught, but it would be naive to think it doesn't happen all the time in the NHL, MLB, NFL, and every other league out there.
I have added a link to an interview Mr. Donaghy gave not too long ago that details some of the bullshit that goes on in the NBA.
http://www.binnallofamerica.com/boaa081410.html
It is well worth the listen.
Back to last nights game. Many could argue that the Colby Armstrong goal review was correct in it wasn't a goal, but that Tavares may have used his hand to clear the puck, which should have resulted in a penalty shot. That call could go either way though, so I'll leave that one alone.
In OT a weak goalie interference call lead to the Islanders getting the game winning goal on the ensuing PP. This happened even after a few blatant penalties were not called in the plays directly prior, that would have seen the Leafs get a power play.
In the end, there is not a lot that can be done about any of it now. But with technology the way it is, bad calls should be a rarity. With all the cameras and shit recording during modern sporting events, there should be no problem having some dude watching the monitors and using a head set to tell on ice officials that they fucked something up. It would be quick, and the ref can take all the credit cause no one would know if he seen it himself, or if big brother tipped him off.
Hell, I would even be happy if NHL coaches got flags like in the NFL they can throw out if they want a call reviewed. At least that way, you have some sort of feeling of control, instead of letting the officials bend you over prison style when ever they miss the obvious.
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