With 2:26 left in regulation of Game 7 between the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins, and with the score tied at 1-1, the officials called a penalty. This would be surprising with an extremely clear penalty call, but with one that's not as clear? That's flat-out unbelievable.
Bruins Vs. Capitals Game 7 Score, NHL Playoffs 2012: Washington Kills Shaky Penalty Late In Regulation
Jason Chimera did indeed commit a holding infraction here against Johnny Boychuk, but was it enough to call in that situation? There's been plenty let go all game that's been much worse than this, and it almost seems like the TD Garden crowd willed the officials into making this call. Even worse, the referee on the opposite side of the ice made the call and, with just minutes left, it seemed awfully suspect.
Washington killed the penalty. They did it rather convincingly, too, but that’s not surprising given Boston’s awful, awful power play. Regardless, that’s a penalty that just should’t be called with everything on the line late in a Game 7. In any event, we’re going to overtime in Game 7. Doesn’t get much better than that.
We have full coverage of Game 7 between the Capitals and Bruins in our StoryStream. For full coverage from the Boston perspective, check in with SB Nation Boston and Bruins blog Stanley Cup of Chowder. For full coverage from the Washington perspective, check in with SB Nation DC and Capitals blog Japers’ Rink.
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