The NHL’s Situation Room has been getting into game shape during the preseason.
They were called into action when New Jersey challenged that the Montreal Canadiens were offside prior to a goal from Michael Pezzetta.
The goal, which would have tied the game at 2-2 with 5:00 remaining in the third period, was disallowed.
Montreal’s prior zone entry, which came 13 seconds before the goal was scored, was clearly offside. The puck was deflected before it made it to the blueline, with Pezzetta already well into the zone.
The Devils recovered the puck and took possession, but turned it over to the Habs without clearing the defensive end.
The score reverted to 2-1, with the Devils hanging on for a one-goal win.
New Jersey Devils head coach Lindy Ruff went 1-for-5 (20%) last season on coach’s challenges, with four straight failed challenges coming into the 2022-23 season. Since taking over behind the bench in New Jersey in 2021, he’s gone 3-for-10 (30%) on challenged calls.
Referees for the game were Beau Halkidis (#48) and Eric Furlatt (#27); linesmen were Jonny Murray (#95) and Derek Nansen (#70).
