The same officials that impacted the outcome of Leafs/Bolts Game 7 blow a huge call against NY
Midway through the second period during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Corey Perry entered the offensive zone preparing to take a slap shot when Rangers defensemen K'Andre Miller lifted his stick in what appeared to be a brilliant defensive play. However, referee Eric Furlatt immediately lifted his arm to call a penalty on Miller for hooking.
While the stick can be seen getting close to the hands, it does not appear that Miller made any contact with Perry's hands whatsoever. Very simply, this play should not have resulted in a penalty.
What is particularly interesting is Eric Furlatt and Wes McCauley both called Game 7 for the Leafs/Bolts series as well. As Leafs fans will remember, no arm went up prior to Nick Paul's game winning goal when Alex Killorn yanked Jake Muzzin's stick out of his hand, allowing Paul easy access to the net. The duo of Furlatt and McCauley also officiated Oilers/Flames Game 7 as well, which was also controversial.
What is frustrating for Leafs fans, and hockey fans across the board, is a lack of consistency. When a stick lift is called as a hook in the Eastern Conference Finals after the same officials neglected to call a blatant holding the stick that directly led to the game winning goal, fans will get frustrated.
The Rangers were successful in killing the penalty, but would ultimately drop a 3-1 decision to the Bolts, sending the series back to Tampa for Game 6 and a chance for the Bolts to close out the series at home on Saturday.
| POLL | ||
10 JUIN | 235 ANSWERS The same officials that impacted the outcome of Leafs/Bolts Game 7 blow a huge call against NY Was this a penalty? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 26.8 % |
| Only in regular season | 22 | 9.4 % |
| No | 150 | 63.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
