Controversial Play in NHL Game
In a rare moment during a National Hockey League game, a controversial play sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. The Ottawa Senators faced off against the New Jersey Devils at the Canadian Tire Centre, culminating in a tight finish that saw the Senators narrowly lose 4-3.
Unusual Play Involving Drake Batherson
During the first period, an unusual play unfolded involving Senators’ winger Drake Batherson. Positioned behind the Devil’s net, Batherson spotted a loose puck and instinctively attempted to control it with his skate. Remarkably, the puck deflected off his blade and into the net after striking New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom, leading to what appeared to be a legitimate goal.
Goal Disallowed
However, the goal was quickly put under review, where officials ruled that Batherson had made a distinct kicking motion when the puck entered the net, thus disallowing the goal. Batherson, visibly frustrated, approached referee Jamie McLennan to argue his case, as the Senators and their supporters felt the call was unjustified. They cited that Batherson’s actions did not constitute a true kicking motion; instead, he merely redirected the puck, a move typically allowed within the framework of the game.
Debate Among Fans
Furthermore, the debate intensified with fans pointing out that Batherson was not actively trying to score in that moment, a key factor allowing for more leniency in those kinds of plays. Players often redirect or clear pucks with their skates without the intent to score, making Batherson’s twist of the skate an acceptable maneuver according to League rules. To suggest he consciously and skillfully aimed to execute a perfect kicking motion while gauging the goalie’s positioning seemed implausible to many.
Critics argued that such a complex decision-making process would require an impressive level of awareness and skill, which Batherson did not exhibit in this incident.
Questions Raised
This situation has raised questions about the criteria used in officiating goals, specifically concerning the distinction between a legitimate play and one interpreted as a kick. As the debate continues, fans of the Senators are left wondering whether Batherson’s effort deserved recognition. What are your thoughts? Should the goal have been counted?
Steve Warne
The Hockey News
