Edmonton Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson picked up a minor penalty for batting the puck out of play.
Typically, puck over glass calls come from the defensive end, when a player clears the puck over the glass. Here’s Rule 63:
[A minor penalty for delay of game shall be imposed…] (iii) On any player who shoots or bats (using his hand or his stick) the puck directly (non-deflected) out of the playing surface from his defending zone, except where there is no glass. The determining factor shall be the position of the puck when it was shot or batted by the offending player.
Larsson, though, was in the neutral zone. What’s the deal?
It comes down to intent. Also under Rule 63:
[A minor penalty for delay of game shall be imposed…] ii) On any player who deliberately shoots or bats (using his hand or his stick) the puck outside the playing area (from anywhere on the ice surface) during the play or after a stoppage of play;
In this case, the officials felt he deliberated batted the puck out of play, hence the penalty call.
While the officials undoubtedly explained their reasoning to the coaches, it would’ve been nice if that were relayed to the broadcast crew, who were hung up on the fact that Larsson was in the neutral zone.
As we discussed in last week’s podcast, you’ve got to watch those hands…
Edmonton killed off the penalty en route to a 3-1 win over the Senators.
Referees for the game were Eric Furlatt (#27) and Graham Skilliter (#24). Linesmen were Steve Barton (#59) and Michel Cormier (#76).
