Sharks Troll NHL Over Playoff Officiating Disasters After New Rule Change
By Ryan Giglio
It turns out that officiating drama isn't localized to the NFL.
A bad hand pass call made in a postseason NHL game in May between the San Jose Sharks and eventual champions St. Louis Blues led to a rule change, and the Sharks aren't letting it go under the radar.
Even better, Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer was perfectly sly when determining the league's official identifier.
San Jose coach Pete DeBoer on the NHL expanding the coach's challenge to include video review of hand passes:
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 13, 2019
“Did they officially name it ‘The Sharks Rule?’”
We're still waiting...
The expansion of the rule stems from San Jose winning an overtime playoff game due to Erik Karlsson's goal. However, many believed (and were supported by several video replays) that he benefitted from an illegal hand pass.
The Blues could not challenge the non-call, since it was not reviewable under the coach's challenge video review rules at the time.
A controversial ending to #SJSvsSTL explained. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/8RHKvEe7qn
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) May 16, 2019
While the Blues bounced back from this crushing loss, it is still never ideal to have meaningful postseason games be decided by shoddy officiating or rules. Good for the NHL for taking advantage of the technology available and trying to ensure the best product is given to fans at all times.