Okay, writing this in the middle of the night, trying to process what happened to Colorado’s 3-2 goal at the end of the first period.
The first time I saw Cale Makar score, I said, “No way.”
But it remained after the review. Sure it sounds counter-intuitive, but here’s why it stayed:
First, look at the line judge at the top of the photo. His hand is not in the air. This is not a delayed offside. Rule 83.3 screenshots were being launched all over the internet, but that was not a factor. The record was not in the Edmonton area, it was in the neutral area when Makar first played it. Makar is next. He is not trying to chase an offside record.
It’s a marked offside. Not a delayed offside. The game continues if the offensive players who preceded the disc in the zone return to the blue line and label it.
Valeri Nichushkin’s responsibility is to get involved. If Makar dumps it and Nichushkin goes to get the record before scoring, it’s offside. If he went to pick up the disc instead of labeling it, it is out of play.
If you watch the goal on replay or at actual speed, the only signal the referee makes is to drop an offside call. It is close, but it is ruled that Nichushkin has legally left the area.
(This particular situation was an important emphasis before the playoffs for teams and broadcasters. the blue line when entering the area). , but this is not good enough to go out. Your skate must touch the ice to clear it.)
Among the people who came in contact with the call, most of those who disagreed were active (or recently active) players. Makar were given a chance to change things around. Among those who supported the call were some general managers and video coaches. Several of them texted immediately to tell them they felt bad for Edmonton, knowing the Oilers were going to miss the challenge.
“I’m betting this hasn’t happened to them,” one wrote. “They weren’t familiar with that.”
Here are some examples where this type of game was a goal:
On March 19, 2017, this call is the one that several coaches said started this precedent. The play was ruled in play, with the Blackhawks scoring seconds later.
Here are some other examples, and when they happened …
February 4, 2020:
January 23, 2021:
April 6, 2021:
I’m not sure this will change anyone’s mind, but I understand why it counted, even though my brain will take time not to process it as offside. I would also say that there was much more disagreement with Blake Coleman’s disallowed goal in Game 5 of the Calgary / Edmonton series than this one.
A full block of 32 thoughts will come later, but an early morning update was needed.