As it turned out on Wednesday night, Marian Hossa's second period goal was a vital piece of the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues. You know, makes sense right? Regulation goal allows the game to head to overtime, helping the 'Hawks earn both points, which are vital in their quest to earn a playoff spot.
VIDEO: Did NHL Officials Blow Call On Marian Hossa’s Goal Vs. Blues?
The problem, though, is that Hossa’s goal was anything but routine. To the video:
As you can see, Hossa clearly kicks at the puck with an obviously distinct motion, but since the call on the ice was “good goal,” there had to be clear evidence that Hossa’s stick didn’t touch the puck as he swatted at it along the goal line. There is no clear evidence, and thus, the call on the ice stood.
It’s one thing to argue that no, Hossa didn’t make contact with the puck and thus the goal shouldn’t count. The puck didn’t drastically change direction, so even if he did touch it, he certainly just barely got a piece of it.
When the officials are reviewing this, however, they must see clear evidence that goes against that the stick didn’t hit the puck, and since there’s no clear evidence, it’s tough to call them out on getting the call wrong.
Maybe the process is wrong and maybe the wrong ruling was ultimately made, but the guys making the call aren’t in a position to fully make that judgment, thanks to the current set up of the rules and the camera angles they had at their disposal on Wednesday night.
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