Canucks Overcome Controversial Officiating to Defeat Blue Jackets
Drew O'Connor contributed two points in a significant regulation victory for the Vancouver Canucks. Although no one wants officiating controversies to overshadow the game, it was impossible to ignore on Saturday night.
This game might have featured some of the worst officiating seen in the NHL, with missed calls affecting both teams. From a Canucks viewpoint, many penalties against them were overlooked, highlighting interference, tripping, and hooking that went unpunished.
Uncalled Penalties Against the Canucks
- In the first period, Conor Garland suffered a clear tripping penalty, described as one of the most blatant in recent memory.
- Max Sasson was struck in the torso during the second period, causing his helmet to dislodge.
- Tyler Myers was elbowed in the back of the head during the third period, despite his head being elevated off the ice.
- The most obvious missed call occurred near the end of the second period: while on the brink of a breakaway, Quinn Hughes was hooked by Ivan Provorov, who pulled him back with his stick.
"It was like a shot out of a video meant to teach officials what hooking is, but referee Jordan Samuels-Thomas, staring right at the play, chose not to call a penalty, let alone a penalty shot."
The repeated missed calls left a lasting impression on viewers, overshadowing what should have been the main focus—the players' performance on ice.
Author’s Summary
This game highlighted the frustrating impact of poor officiating, as missed penalties against the Canucks marred their well-earned victory over the Blue Jackets.