Veteran referee explains why Matthew Tkachuk's controversial goal counted
The Edmonton Oilers are coming off a disappointing 6-5 loss to the Florida Panthers, but Matthew Tkachuk's controversial kicking-motion goal has been drawing a lot of attention across the league.
With just a few minutes left in the 1st period, Darnell Nurse took an unfortunate tripping penalty, but voiced his displeasure to the referee.
As Darnell Nurse headed to the penalty box, he exchanged some impolite words with referee Kelly Sutherland, which likely rubbed him the wrong way.
Sutherland responded swiftly by handing Nurse an additional double minor for unsportsmanlike conduct.
On the ensuing power play, Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk scored a goal with what seemed to be a distinct kicking motion, but was deemed a good goal upon review.
-Dave Jackson
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, It's an extremely fine line, and one that's blurred so much that it's clearly confusing fans. Tkachuk moving his foot to direct the puck into the net looks to be no different from a kicking motion, with a clear follow through after.
-Liam McCormick
I guess Oilers fans have to agree to disagree with Dave Jackson, and the fact that it was scored by Matthew only added insult to injury.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 374 ANSWERS Veteran referee explains why Matthew Tkachuk's controversial goal counted Do you think Matthew Tkachuk's goal should have counted? | ||
| Yes | 49 | 13.1 % |
| No | 325 | 86.9 % |
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