A few years ago, the controversy surrounding goaltender interference inconsistency was becoming deafeningly loud. While it’s not quite what it was then, there are still a lot of players, coaches, and fans that think the rulings need to have a little more clarity.
On Tuesday, we saw the biggest example of 2021 so far when the Montreal Canadiens took on the Ottawa Senators.
With the game tied 4-4 and the seconds ticking down in regulation, Habs winger Brendan Gallagher was involved in a fracas that left Sens’ goaltender Matt Murray turning around and out of position.
If the puck had went in at that moment, there would not have been any controversy. The issue has arisen in how long Murray had to reset, and whether it was enough time. There are opinions going both directions, obviously, but the general consensus seems to be that Murray did have enough time to reset.
Following the game, Gallagher didn’t pull any punches while speaking with the media. The word “consistency” is repeated a number of times, and it’s clear the Habs forward isn’t letting this one go.
It's hard to blame Gallagher here. The goal, a point shot from Shea Weber, would have almost certainly won the Habs the game. There were only 2.1 seconds left on the clock, so as long as the biggest miracle goal of all time wasn’t scored, the Habs would be skating away victorious.
Instead, the game made it to a shootout, and the Sens potted two of their three attempts to tack on the second point.
