“Oh, sorry!”
Referee Michael Markovic had to offer an immediate retraction and correction after announcing the wrong goal review results at Panthers vs. Devils.
Late in the third period of Thursday’s game, Florida’s Sam Reinhart appeared to score a goal to cut the Devils’ lead to one. Referee Michael Markovic waved off the goal immediately, citing goaltender interference on the play as it appeared that Florida’s Anton Lundell made contact with Devils goaltender Jake Allen.
Florida head coach Paul Maurice challenged the play, hoping that video review would prove that there was no interference with the goaltender. After a few minutes, the Situation Room handed down their verdict to the on-ice official.
“After review, the call on the ice stands, we have a goal,” Markovic announced to the 16,514 fans at New Jersey’s Prudential Center. Then it hit him.
“Oh, sorry!” Markovic exclaimed. “Excuse me. After review, there is no goal.”
The score remained 3-1 in favor of the Devils. Florida was assessed a minor penalty for delay of game for the unsuccessful challenge.
“I think, by the end, they had it figured,” said Maurice said on the disallowed goal.
The New Jersey Devils held on for a 3-1 win. Referees for the game were Michael Markovic (#31) and Francis Charron (#6), with Michel Cormier (#76) and Dan Kelly (#98).
