A controversial no-goal decision went against the Winnipeg Jets during the third game of their playoff series against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night. Hockey in the playoffs is often decided by the narrowest of margins, and the Jets felt they were denied a crucial goal by mere millimeters.
While trailing the Blues 3-0 in the second period and on a power play, Jets forward Cole Perfetti took a shot off a pass from Mark Scheifele. St. Louis goaltender Jordan Binnington appeared to make a save with his glove. However, Perfetti immediately indicated that he believed Binnington`s glove, with the puck secured inside, had crossed the goal line.
Officials initiated a video review of the play. After a considerable delay, lasting over four minutes as replays were examined, the on-ice ruling of `no goal` was ultimately confirmed. According to reports, the NHL Situation Room determined there was insufficient conclusive evidence from the available camera angles to overturn the initial call.
During the intermission break, hockey analyst Elliotte Friedman drew a comparison between this play and a situation from last year`s playoffs. In a series between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, a similar shot by Leon Draisaitl was initially ruled no goal but was overturned upon review because video evidence clearly showed the puck had crossed the goal line. This latest incident highlighted the difficulty in making definitive calls on tight plays when clear visual confirmation is lacking.
Tristan Blackwood