Fans accuse Leon Draisaitl of high stick on Bouchard game-wining goal
Photo credit: X/hughes2petey
The Edmonton Oilers evened their series at two games apiece with a 3-2 win, thanks to a late goal by Evan Bouchard. Yet, it didn't come without controversy.
This debate was about whether Leon Draisaitl high-sticked the puck down before Bouchard's game-winning goal.
According to NHL rules, if Draisaitl knocked down the puck above shoulder height, it could have led to a goal being reviewed. And in the final minute, the league can initiate a review without the coaches having to challenge it.
Fans were all over social media arguing about it. Some said Draisaitl's stick was fine, while others blamed the Canucks' coach Rick Tocchet for not challenging the play. It was a split decision among fans.
Well below the shoulder and the league automatically reviews in the final minute. Canucks lost because the other team had more goals not because the league hates them.
Was a good goal. But I'm sure Vancouver fans won't think so.
One fan even joked about Ron Maclean's opinion, saying if he thinks it's good, then it's probably not.
Ron-I-Hate-Vancouver-Maclean says it's good, so you know it's not. A stick that high gets called 100% of the time. The rules are the rules until the Oilers are involved.
And, of course, there were those classic post-game comments from fans after a loss.
They would have reviewed it. Nothing here at all. We deserved that loss. We didn't play well enough
League reviews all play within the final 2 minutes automatically and the Canucks have the ability to challenge the play. Basing on the fact that the goal doesn't get challenged or reviewed tells me contact was below the shoulders.
But let's not forget about the game itself. Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored for the Oilers, while Calvin Pickard had a solid performance in his first playoff start, making 19 saves.
On the Canucks' side, Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua managed to find the back of the net, but it just wasn't enough. Arturs Silovs, after a 42 save gem stopped 27 shots, but it wasn't enough.
So, with the series now tied 2-2, it's a best of three and up for grabs going forward. This should be interesting, especially since there's a bet between the city mayors.
| POLL | ||
15 MAI | 514 ANSWERS Fans accuse Leon Draisaitl of high stick on Bouchard game-wining goal Do you think a high stick should've been called on Bouchard's game winning goal? | ||
| Yes | 212 | 41.2 % |
| No | 302 | 58.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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