I Watched This Game: Canucks Overcome 'Real Odd' Officiating in Win over Blue Jackets
Drew O'Connor contributed two points in a strong regulation victory for the Vancouver Canucks. Despite preferring the focus be on the players, the officiating became a significant topic during Saturday's game.
The match featured what might be the most poorly officiated NHL game in recent memory, with numerous missed calls affecting both teams. From the perspective of a Canucks viewer, many fouls against them went unnoticed by the officials.
Missed Calls Affecting the Canucks
- In the first period, Conor Garland was clearly tripped, yet no penalty was called.
- Max Sasson was struck in the second period, resulting in his helmet being knocked off without a penalty.
- Tyler Myers received an elbow to the back of the head in the third period, an obvious foul given Myers’ upright posture.
Critical Missed Call Before the Second Period Ended
"Quinn Hughes was on the verge of a breakaway, and Ivan Provorov stuck his stick in Hughes’ midsection and pulled him back. It was like a shot out of a video meant to teach officials what hooking is, but referee Jordan Samuels-Thomas, staring right at the play, chose not to call a penalty, let alone a penalty shot."
Such missed calls underscored the unusual nature of this game's officiating, overshadowing the Canucks’ ability to secure the win.
Author’s summary: Despite notably poor officiating and several missed penalties, the Vancouver Canucks managed a convincing win, highlighting their resilience amid contentious calls.