T.J. Oshie with the drop pass and reverse hit before Michal Kempny scores
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Kerry Fraser talks officiating in the Stanley Cup final
Photo credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2018, 19:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 6, 2018, 11:49 EDT
I haven’t been able to catch all of the games so far from the Stanley Cup final, but the vibe I’ve been getting from the Internet is that the officiating has been a tire fire of a mess.
I’ve been officiating minor hockey for a long time so I’ve always had a soft spot for NHL referees and the criticism that’s thrown at them on the Internet. A great follow on Twitter is retired NHL official Kerry Fraser. He gives a lot of input online about certain situations on the ice from an officials perspective, and last night during game four he was tweeting up a storm.
Oshie’s reverse hit
The biggest controversy coming from Vegas fans was the reverse hit ‘elbow’ that Oshie delivered on Miller that led directly to a Caps goal. You can watch the hit below.
This caused a pretty big commotion on Twitter and I can only imagine how many people were asking Kerry Fraser about it. Fraser took the time to answer the questions and we got some really good insight out of it.
At amateur level you should call it Interference if the puck has been distributed. The NHL deems it legal “battle” where the trailing player is the checker. However, normal timing should apply from puck distribution to contact as per Interference. You confused yet??
@kfraserthecall Can you explain why the reverse hit is considered legal? Just started reffing again at 45 and see that as interference... what am I missing? Thanks.
So that answers our questions on whether or not the play was interference. In the NHL it is considered a battle for the puck as long as it’s within an appropriate time from when the puck gets passed off. And as far as the elbow to the head that the fans wanted to be called? Well, take a look at these screenshots. Of course, it’s tough to tell through still images of the hit, AND it’s even tough to tell at full speed, but a missed call like this can be certainly understandable.
You be the judge. But if Miller actually broke his jaw from this play, my guess is that it’s from Oshie’s helmet.
The reverse hit by Oshie caught Miller off guard. It is however accepted as legal. Peter Forsberg was one of the best at it. He must have eyes in the back of his head??
Colin Miller had a rough night but got caught diving early and refs didn't want to be embarrassed. Refused to bite when he went down, even on the odd time it was warranted. That's the risk you take when you embellish, and it only hurts your team.
McNabb’s cross-check
After Miller’s jaw injury, the Golden Knights obviously looked for some revenge on Oshie. This cross-check from behind happened near the end of the game in the corner. The game turned pretty ugly at the end and it was obvious Vegas was out trying to send a message for game five.
Thankfully McNabb got a cross-checking minor for this, but there a lot of keyboard warriors online claiming he should get suspended. Kerry’s thoughts on it? See below.
It was no harder than the one delivered by Tom Wilson in game 2 when he snapped the shaft on his opponent’s back at the blue line. McNabb however was taking advantage to send a “strong” message. It was dirty for sure but not a full extension.
Any thought on the McNabb Cross check near the end? Should it have been more than 2mins?
Reaves high sticking himself
Vegas fans wanted a penalty when it appeared that Ryan Reaves got high sticked in the face and dropped like a fly. Kerry gave his response and what he felt the refs saw and thought of when the play happened. It was later proven that Reaves high-sticked himself, but I still find it interesting to hear Kerry’s opinion on it.
Reeves got a clip with Orpik’s stick but the Big Fella’s overreaction to contact cost a Golden Knights PP. Ref Sutherland’s arm flinched until the Oscar was presented. #TakeItLikeaMan
@kfraserthecall Just now: did Reaves do the ol' flop?
Great catch Rick!
Reaves own stick is what hit him in the face.
NHL officiating in general
This is my favourite tweet of the night by far from Kerry Fraser. As hard as both teams are battling out there, the refs are battling too. They can only do so well with the circumstances they’re presented with, and last night was a high difficulty game for them. Kerry applauded the officiating last night and backed them up 100%.
I respectfully disagree. These 2 Refs entered another tough situation. The score & Vegas desire not to play anymore but instead send message for game 5 added degree of difficulty. Officials worked their asses off to put out fires & eject potential trouble. Allowed play on edge.
Sutherland needs to not officiate any more games this series. This one completely got away from him.
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