The officiating in the Detroit Red Wings’ 2-1 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues had some onlookers complaining, so it makes a weird kind of sense that Justin Abdelkader’s overtime game-winning goal drew some controversy.
More than a few people believe that the deciding goal should not have counted. It’s believed that the tally was scored with a broken stick. See for yourself first:
Here are a couple reactions:
That Red Wings goal shouldn't have counted — scored with a broken stick. Remember that when the standings shake out after 82.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 22, 2015
That goal technically should not have counted IMO...Pietrangelo penalty, no goal should have been ruling.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 22, 2015
Even retired official Kerry Fraser believes it shouldn’t have counted, but also notes that it didn’t fall under the parameters of a review:
Abdelkader scored winning goal in OT with a broken stick. Broke the shaft on Allen's body swiping at the loose puck before deposit into net.
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) March 22, 2015
@uneasyeric Not part of allowable criteria for review. Ref needed to observe broken stick, disallow goal & assess minor penalty.
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) March 22, 2015
Jake Allen provided this take on the moment:
Allen said it was Pietrangelo's stick that was broken. #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) March 22, 2015
At this point, that’s just fodder for griping, as the goal - valid or not - counts for the Red Wings. Detroit breaks a two-game losing streak with this win while the Blues fall to 2-1-2 on a six-game road trip that ends on Tuesday. Detroit won both game against St. Louis in overtime this season, so put that note in the back of your mind if the Blues fall two points short of a relevant seeding race.
It was a tight game in a variety of ways, as Detroit tied it thanks to a bounce that was very unfortunate for Blues defenseman Chris Butler.
Ultimately, this game provides benefits for both teams. The Red Wings put considerable distance between themselves and the Boston Bruins for the Atlantic Division’s third spot while the Blues now have a full-point edge on the Nashville Predators for the Central Division lead. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for St. Louis, but some may try to find a bright side in the defeat at least coming after they secured a standings point.