Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar had a lot to say about the controversial goal scored by the Buffalo Sabers on Thursday night, saying the officials should have called a stoppage in play.
In the third period, Parker Kelly pushed Zach Benson on his own goalie, Scott Wedgewood. He suffered an injury and collapsed in his cage. Meanwhile, Benson took the opportunity to go around the net and score. Watch in main video.
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“The referee said he didn’t blow the whistle because we pushed their guy on Scott. I said, “I don’t care!” For them to give up and allow this goal is insane,” said a furious Bednar at a press briefing after the match.
The National Hockey League rule book states that a referee should only stop play if an injured player’s team gains control of the puck. That was not the case here, with the Sabers forward quickly recovering the puck.
However, when a serious injury occurs, officials can stop play at any time. Well positioned behind the cage, the referee finally ruled that this measure was not necessary, even though Wedgewood was writhing in pain.
This situation has not stopped causing discussion, with each camp seeming to have valid arguments.
“If he’s injured and he doesn’t get up – they just look at him – the whistle should blow. It’s that simple,” Bednar said.
The pilot indicated that his goalkeeper would have to stay away “for a while”.
The Avalanche finally beat the Sabers 6-5 thanks to Jonathan Drouin’s tying goal in the final seconds of regular time, and then thanks to Devon Toews’ goal in overtime.
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