December 27, 2018. The Tampa Bay Lightning hung on for a 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. They won the game, but they did lose an offside coach’s challenge on a Philadelphia Flyers goal. That was also the last time they lost an offside challenge, going a perfect 8-0 during that span and 3-0 this season.
That streak ended Saturday.
Trailing in Game 4 of their Stanley Cup Semifinal against the New York Islanders, the Lightning challenged for offside. Coach Jon Cooper felt New York’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau preceded the puck into the attacking zone.
After a brief review by linesmen Michel Cormier and Ryan Gibbons, the goal was confirmed.
This is onside
Goal counts. Bench minor to #GoBolts
3-0 #Isles
🎥 @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/QCM8Shg9PE— BobbyLotsOfNumbers (@TheReplayGuy) June 20, 2021
Once the puck completely crossed the blueline, Isles players were free to enter the zone. Josh Bailey clearly brought the puck in. When he pulled it back, it remained on the blue line, which is part of the attacking zone. It was an easy review, and a clearly onside play.
Cooper didn’t agree.
Jon Cooper still thinks it was offside. #GoBolts
🎥 @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/xdCdiNDbwB— BobbyLotsOfNumbers (@TheReplayGuy) June 20, 2021
The Lightning were given a minor penalty for delay of game.