The NHL All-Star game wasn’t all about the players, as the officials and even the Situation Room factored into the games.
Canucks’ Petterson’s Goal Overturned After Offside Review
Vancouver’s Elias Petterson though he had given the Pacific Division an early lead. The horn sounded. The fans cheered. The coach challenged.
Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer, behind the bench for the Central Division, challenged the goal, citing an offside on the zone entry.
After a resounding boo from the crowd, the goal was overturned… resulting in a second round of boos. Bold move by the bench boss, not only for deploying the challenge in the All-Star Game, but because DeBoer is only one-for-three this season on Coach’s Challenges.
Sabres’ Dahlin Awarded Penalty Shot
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was given a penalty shot after being hooked in the slot late in Saturday’s game between the Central and Atlantic Divisions.
Referee Kyle Rehman delivered an All-Star-caliber explanation.
“Number 26 has been awarded a penalty shot,” announced Rehman. “Hooked on the hands on a breakway!”
Dahlin attempted a fancy behind-the-skates shot that failed to beat goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
Seth Jones delivered the hook, which made for an interesting coincidence. The most recent previous All-Star penalty shot was awarded to Jone back in 2019, when he was hooked by current teammate Patrick Kane.
There were no other challenges or penalties during the the three All-Star games. Even the linesmen had it easy, with only one icing, one offside call, one puck touched with a high stick, four pucks in the netting, and 53 faceoffs on the day.
All-Star Officials were referees Ghislain Hebert (#22) and Kyle Rehman (#10), with linesmen Brad Kovachik (#71) and Kiel Murchison (#79).
