Controversial goal forces NHL to tell the officials to call the game differently
The NHL will stop short of calling it a rule change, but according to Elliotte Friedman the NHL has already taken steps to inform their officials about a "directive" change.
On Friday night in Dallas, Winnipeg Jet's goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck was shaken up after a collision left him lying on the ice without a helmet. After the collison the Stars retained possession of the puck. While many expected the officials to blow the whistles, but they allowed play to continue.
The puck eventually made its way out to Jason Robertson who fired home the game tying goal. All the while, Hellebuyck remained in pain on the ice. After being evaluated by medical staff Hellebuyck would eventually remain in the game.
The Jets were furious that the play was allowed to continue and now it appears the league feels similarly. Because this is just a change of "directive" and not a rule change it would not require NHLPA approval.
The reported new directive would encourage the referees to blow the whistle when a player appears to suffer a significant injury. This debate previously was brought up when Zach Werenski suffered a serious facial injury after receiving a puck to the face.
| POLL | ||
Should the whistle blow whenever someone is injured? | ||
| No, plays will fake injuries | 0 | 0 % |
| Yes, player safety is paramount | 0 | 0 % |
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