I Watched This Game: Canucks Overcome 'Real Odd' Officiating in Win Over Blue Jackets
Drew O'Connor had a two-point night in a strong regulation victory for the Vancouver Canucks. Officiating became the unavoidable story on Saturday night, with multiple missed calls throughout the game. It might have been the worst officiated NHL game I’ve seen, with errors affecting both teams.
Many of the more obvious missed penalties seemed to go against the Canucks, though this perspective may be influenced by focusing on the Canucks' players. Watching them closely, it was clear when they were interfered with, tripped, or hooked.
- In the first period, Conor Garland suffered a blatant tripping penalty that was never called.
- During the second period, Max Sasson was hit in the numbers, knocking off his helmet without penalty.
- In the third period, Tyler Myers was elbowed in the back of the head, a striking foul given his upright head position.
- The most glaring missed call happened in the final seconds of the second period: Quinn Hughes, on the verge of a breakaway, was hooked by Ivan Provorov, who stuck his stick into Hughes’ midsection and pulled him back. Despite referee Jordan Samuels-Thomas watching directly, no penalty or penalty shot was awarded.
"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."
The controversial missed calls did not deter the Canucks from securing the win, showcasing their resilience despite questionable officiating.
Author’s summary: The Canucks triumphed despite some of the poorest officiating seen in the NHL, marked by multiple missed penalties that ignited frustration but not defeat.