Columbus Coach Dean Evason Lashes Out at Officials Following Blue Jackets OT Loss to the Montreal Canadiens

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TJ Tucker
November 28, 2024 (11:30)

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Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason was far from a happy camper last night following his team's loss to the Montreal Canadiens in overtime

Another case of an NHL coach lashing out at officials. This time, it's Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Following a back and forth game against the Montreal Canadiens last night, the Habs ended up beating the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime on a goal from captain Nick Suzuki.

After the game, Columbus coach Dean Evason went off on the officials, saying the goal shouldn't have counted because Nick Suzuki pulled down Kent Johnson before the play went the other way.

Here's the video of the goal. Just before the play goes the other way, you can see Kent Johnson falling to the ice as Montreal recovers the puck.

Dean Evason was furious talking to reporters after the game, calling to non-call "ridiculous."

"It's ridiculous! You know what? It's a human game, and I'd hope that we'd have a couple of the refs [available] - or at least one of them - to ask them what they see?

We have a two-on-one [with Johnson and Sean Monahan]. KJ is fresh. He's fresh on the ice. He's got a step on Suzuki. He's going and he's fast, and the guy reaches in, grabs him, pulls his hip, spins him, [Johnson] falls down, [the Canadiens] get the puck, they get a three-on-two (the other way) it's crazy."

Evason wasn't done there, and continued to criticize officials for missing Kent Johnson's fall.

"That can't be not a penalty. It makes no sense. I don't care if it's the first [period] or overtime, you cannot reach your hand in and grab a guy. Even if they're even, but [KJ] is ahead of him.

The only reason they get even is because he gets yanked back. It makes no sense. I just don't I don't understand it. The refs have been fantastic. Fantastic. But that was not a good play."

The Columbus Blue Jackets recently picked up a fan favourite from waivers, but it didn't help much as the team continues to dwell in the NHL standings' basement. Evason's frustration is understandable, but I'm not sure there should have been a penalty on this play.

NHL head coaches will always pick up for their team when something goes wrong. In this case, Dean Evason's anger is misdirected. It was a tough break for the Blue Jackets. Nothing more and nothing less.