Flames’ OT Loss Overshadowed by Controversy Once More
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By Doug Hirdle
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Summary:
- Flames lost 4-3 in overtime after a disputed goal by Blues was upheld.
- NHL cited Rule 69.7 that allows incidental contact during rebound situations.
- Head coach Ryan Huska and goaltender Dan Vladar voiced their frustration.
The Calgary Flames found themselves on the losing side of a controversial call Thursday night after an overtime goal by the St. Louis Blues was allowed to stand, despite a heated debate over goaltender interference.
As expected, head coach Ryan Huska wasn’t happy. Neither was Dan Vladar. The 27-year-old Czech needed a cold shower to cool off before meeting the media at Scotiabank Saddledome.
NHL’s Situation Room Upheld the Goal
On the decisive play, Vladar had just made a pad save on Rob Thomas. However, as Colton Parayko made his way past Yegor Sharangovich (26) and jabbed at a loose puck near the goal line, his stick seemed to push Vladar’s pad into the net.
After a lengthy review, the NHL’s Situation Room decided to uphold the goal, citing Rule 69.7 which says incidental contact “will be permitted in a rebound situation” as well as “any goal that is scored as a result thereof”.
Parayko, fresh off his selection to Team Canada, wasn’t entirely sure the call would go his way.
At game speed I saw the puck loose and tried to get my stick on it. I honestly don’t know at the time if I hit him in the pad or whatever. Me just driving the net, trying to get the puck … I hope I touched the puck. Well, I don’t know, but it ended up working out.
Second Controversy in One Week
The incident marked the second time in just over a week that the Flames felt slighted in overtime, the first being a controversial too-many-men penalty in Detroit.
For Huska, who is known to typically measure his tone, frustration started to boil over.
If you’re going to call it that way, fine, but the referees should explain it, They just skate off the ice. That bothers me … Danny made the save and would have kept it out if his pad wasn’t pushed in.
Vladar kept his response diplomatic.
I don’t want to talk about it, obviously emotions get into play. I think we deserved to win today. The guys played a really good game in front of me. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.”
Despite the outcome, the Flames showed a lot of resilience, as they managed to claw back from a 2-0 deficit.
Jakob Pelletier’s (23) first goal of the season sparked the rally, while Matt Coronato and MacKenzie Weegar (30) went on to add tallies.
Ultimately, an excellent performance from Jordan Binnington and a struggling penalty kill were the ones that sealed Calgary’s fate.
“We move on” said Weegar. “Three out of four points at home … now we need to get some wins on the road.”, the Ottawa-born explained.
With just three road wins in 13 games, the Flames currently rank second-last in the league, trailing only Nashville.
Their upcoming NHL trips are scheduled for Dallas in two days where they will meet the Stars and Nashville on December 11 where they will play against the Predators.
