The Washington Capitals may have just been jobbed out of a big goal.
Set up just outside of the crease, Caps forward Joel Ward screened Henrik Lundqvist as Matt Niskanen unleashed a bomb from the point. Then: craziness.
The shot, which was going wide, deflects off a Rangers stick towards the net. Derek Stepan shoves Ward, Ward collides with Lundqvist, and the puck bounces into the net.
Official Kevin Pollock immediately waves the goal off for incidental contact.
Ward was not happy.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/596840934702129152
Trotz’s eyebrows danced.
GIF: Trotz's amazing bouncing eyebrows, as seen after watching replay of disallowed Ward goal cc @LynchieSays pic.twitter.com/MCeGxul57x
— Stephanie Vail (@myregularface) May 9, 2015
During intermission, NBCSN analysts/former players Jeremy Roenick and Keith Jones agreed Pollock did the right thing.
“The referee was in great position to make the call,” Jones said. “Unfortunately for the Capitals there is contact in front. [Ward] kind of bumps him slightly.”
“I think it was the final turn by Ward,” Roenick said, using hand motions to explain himself. “He turned his body then made contact as the puck came in. And I agree with Jonesey. It is the right call, especially in such a close game. You don’t want something that’s controversial to decide this game.”
Yeah, great points, guys, but, um, Stepan totally shoved Ward and initiated the contact.
Weak. I dunno. Are my Caps blinders on right now? Did Pollock get the call right?
