Jake Oettinger is shocked as he's called for a penalty as referees crack down on goalies infractions
This season it seems to be controversy surrounding goalies and stoppages of play. Recall earlier this season we had the whole Matt Murray situation and knocking the net off it's pegs. Some said it was an accident while others claimed he did it on purpose. Now another goalie controversy happened last night and this time it involved Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars.
Oettinger took a backhand shot from Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad off his mask causing one of his straps to come loose. Oettinger tried to raise his arm to get the attention of the referee, but it didn't work. Eventually Oettinger shook his head around enough to make his mask come off and he was assessed a two-minute delay of game penalty. Oettinger and the Stars team was not happy with the call. Check out the replay. What are your thoughts?
This was a big moment in the game as well. It was midway through the third period and Dallas was ahead 1-0. The Rangers did not score on the power play, but this call could have altered the game if they did.
In the referee's defense, the rules do state that any goalie who removes his helmet during play will be assessed a penalty. I have a feeling this play will be looked at again and discussed in the league. Certainly no one wants to see a goalie play in today's game with a damaged or broken mask. On the flip, side the Rangers were in the zone trying to create some moment and generate some offense. It's a fine line, certainly the league wants to protect it goaltenders but we also don't want a stoppage anytime a goalie takes a shot off his mask.
| POLL | ||
Should this be called a penalty? | ||
| Yes, that's definitely a penalty | 12 | 41.4 % |
| No, that's not enough for a penalty | 17 | 58.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
