Outraged fan disrupts game throwing debris on ice rink following Maple Leafs’ no goal in Game 5
The crowd at Scotibank arena were left stunned on the "no-goal" decision by the officials following the efforts of Morgan Reilly
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[Toronto Maple Leafs players surrounding the referee during the video review. Pic Credit: The San Diego Union-Tribune]
The second round series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers was a spectacular watch. After winning the first three games of the series, the Panthers had one foot in the next round. The Leafs did not go down without a fight though and forced Game 5 but eventually they were no match to their opponents. A 3-2 loss in overtime brought an end of their campaign. A game of fine margins was decided by now what is being labelled as a controversial “no-goal” call by the officials.
Late in the second period it appeared that Morgan Reilly had leveled up the scores for the Maple Leafs. However there was no official call regarding this. The officials came to a conclusion that the puck did not cross the goal line. It was deemed to cross the line, under the blade of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky after the whistle had gone.
Following a lengthy review by the officials, they decided to stand with their decision and the goal was not awarded. This call did not go down well with the audience at the Scotiabank Arena. The furious crowd made their voices and frustrations heard by throwing debris on the ice field. The ice announcer had to plead to the crowd and asked them to stop littering the play field.
Related: WATCH: Chaos break out between Maple Leafs and Panthers players after conclusion of Game 4 playoffs
Toronto Maple Leafs eliminated following Game 5 loss to the Florida Panthers
The Maple Leafs entered the game after a chaotic win in Game 4. Ugly scenes of altercation were recorded after the game had ended. A huge brawl broke out between the two sets of players as tensions boiled over. In Game 5, the Maple Leafs found themselves trailing again. With the score at 2-1, Morgan Reilly thought he had equalised for his side but the officials ruled out his goal.
As per the league officials, the call by the referee was indeed correct. “The referee deemed the play dead prior to the puck crossing the Florida line. The call was made in accordance to Rule 78.5 (xii), which states apparent goals shall be disallowed “when the referee deems the play has stopped, even if he had not physically had the opportunity to stop play by blowing his whistle,” the league later explained their decision.
The Maple Leafs eventually got the goal they were looking for as William Nylander tied it up at 2-2 with less than five minutes to go. The Panthers who have been superb throughout the season and the series, got what they deserved. Nick Cousins was the hero for his side as he came up clutch to score the winner. His side are now through to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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Vinay Dave
(1922 Articles Published)