Stanley Cup Final Begins with Controversial Goal
EDMONTON — The Stanley Cup Final kicked off with a moment of significant discord involving Sam Bennett, whose controversial first-period goal for the Florida Panthers sent shockwaves through the Edmonton Oilers‘ camp. The incident unfolded as Bennett managed to find the net despite the Oilers’ challenge for goaltender interference, leading to a power play for the Panthers that quickly allowed them to gain the upper hand in the scoring.
“I would challenge that any day.”
Ultimately, the play stood after a review, raising questions about its impact on the game, particularly as the Oilers went on to win with a thrilling 4-3 overtime comeback. Head coach Kris Knoblauch expressed no regrets about his decision to challenge the call, insisting that he had seen Bennett involved in the moment and felt confident based on prior goaltender interference rulings this season.
Key Moments and Reactions
As one of the leading players in the playoffs with 12 goals, Bennett’s persistency in front of the net was on full display when he was knocked into the crease by Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak just before a follow-up shot from teammate Carter Verhaeghe deflected off Bennett’s skate, resulting in a 1-1 tie by the 10:49 mark in the first period. Bennett noted that while he felt there was contact that led to him falling, he had yet to fully review the play himself.
Oilers defenseman Kulak, on the other hand, voiced surprise that the goal remained valid, expressing belief that Bennett had made contact with the goalie while being in the crease, suggesting a misjudgment on the officials’ part. Goalie Stuart Skinner echoed this sentiment, feeling that he had no opportunity to make a save when Bennett was so close and had anticipated the officials would agree with him on the challenge.
Review Process and Official Insights
The review process involved key figures from the NHL, including series supervisor Kris King and director of officiating Stephen Walkom. They concluded that the referees, Wes McCauley and Francis Charron, had correctly identified the nature of the contact during live play, which influenced the decision to uphold the goal. Some sources indicated it could be perceived as a straightforward decision given the circumstances.
Two former officials pointed out the complexity of such ruling situations, illustrating how goaltender interference calls can swing either way depending on various factors. With just over a minute passed after the original goal, the Panthers capitalized on the power play awarded from the challenge, bringing about a rapid shift from a 1-0 Oilers lead to a 2-1 deficit for them.
Player Reflections and Game Summary
Captain Connor McDavid reflected on the situation, hopeful that with a stroke of luck, the ruling could have gone in their favor. Meanwhile, Skinner pragmatically put the incident behind him, signaling readiness to move on despite the disappointment surrounding the call. As the teams continued their Stanley Cup rematch, the Oilers found themselves navigating the complexities of officiating under the heavy spotlight of the finals.
In summary, the opening game proved a tight contest filled with tension stemming from pivotal calls, showcasing the high stakes inherent in the path to the championship.
