Referee makes the wrong call, the NHL continues to defend officials

The officiating in the National Hockey League has been terrible since Kerry Fraser missed a high stick that Wayne Gretzky gave to Doug Gilmour in the early 90's, but with playoff implications on the line, Kelly Sutherland may wish by the end of the night he didn't arrive at the arena at all.

During the Washington Capitals visit to Philadelphia, it appears that Sutherland lost sight of the puck after it hit Joel Farabee, in the glove, went up and trickled into the net. After a brief chat that the official had with the situation room, the goal (which likely should have counted) was deemed to be no goal.


Unfortunately, it seems like everything about the National Hockey League this season has been a giant joke, from decisions from the Department of Player Safety to events such as what transpired this evening.


It would be great if the NHL held referees and linemen accountable by punishing them for egregious mistakes, but unfortunately, it will likely be a cold day down below before anything like that comes to fruition.

This is the explanation the NHL gave: