The Ottawa Senators found themselves shorthanded after a failed offside challenge on a Florida Panthers goal.
The Panthers took a 2-0 lead Monday on a goal by Sam Reinhart. Ottawa challenged the play, charging that Florida was offside on the zone entry.
Veteran linesman David Brisebois – right on top of the play – clearly signaled onside at the blueline.
After nearly five minutes of video review, the NHL’s Situation Room delivered their ruling.
“After video review, it was determined that the play was onside,” announced referee Mitch Dunning before pointing to center ice.
It was a very close play. The puck completely crossed the blue line while Matthew Tkachuk was already in the attacking zone, creating a delayed offside. Bennett, though, held off on touching the puck until Tkachuk’s skates cleared the blueline.
That delay is what made the play onside.
From the NHL’s Situation Room:
“There was no conclusive evidence to determine that Sam Bennett touched the puck in the offensive zone prior to Matthew Tkachuk legally tagging up at the blue line, therefore, the call on the ice stands.”
It’s similar to a postseason play from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar where he held off on touching the puck – making sure he stayed onside – until his teammate cleared the zone.
With the goal confirmed, Florida took a 2-0 lead… and ended up with a power play. Unfortunately for the Sens, the Panthers would score with the man advantage to go up 3-0.
Referees for the game were Garrett Rank (#7) and Mitch Dunning (#20), with Derek Nansen (#70) and David Brisebois (#96) on lines. Retired referee Marc Joannette was the game’s officiating supervisor.
