Leafs Coach Craig Berube Addresses Controversial Senators Goal, Reveals Why He Didn't Challenge

Last night's loss to the Ottawa Senators was not without its controversy. First, it was Ottawa's Nick Cousins taking a run at Leafs rookie Jacob Quillan, injuring himself in the process. Then, it was a questionable 3rd period goal that put the Senators up, leaving the Leafs to try to push for the equalizer.

For those who missed it, the replay below shows a puck being deflected into the net by the knee of Shane Pinto, followed up with a distinct kicking motion, which often results in goals being called back.

Unfortunately for the Leafs, the call on the ice was a good goal, and after the officials conferred with the league, the call on the ice stood.

Surprisingly, Craig Berube opted not to challenge the play for a distinct kicking motion, despite the fact that Bobby McMann had a goal called back earlier this season for a far less egregious play, as evidenced below by Sportsnet's Sam McKee.

After the game, Berube was asked about his questionable decision not to challenge the play. Here's why the Leafs' bench boss says he opted not to challenge.

At that stage of the game, had the Leafs challenged the goal and lost, they'd be down 2-1 and would also be assessed a delay of game penalty.

Perhaps Berube simply wanted to err on the side of caution, believing that his team could come back and tie the game late to force overtime.

At any rate, what's done is done and he can't go back and change it now. For better or for worse, Berube made his decision and the Leafs failed to take two points away in Ottawa. Next on the docket for the Leafs is a meeting with the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena.