Pittsburgh Penguins were screwed by this terrible NHL rule and by the referee

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S. Harper
May 16, 2022 (7:32)

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The Pittsburgh Penguins were heading into the big Apple for a winner take all game seven versus the New York Rangers. After jumping ahead to a 3-1 series lead the Penguins had one last opportunity to try and close the series out. Ultimately the Penguins came up short, but the loss doesn't come without controversy as the worst rule in the NHL made an appearance.

On a play behind the Penguins' net, Marcus Pettersson has his helmet pulled off by Alexis Lafreniere. There was no penalty call on the play and by the the rule Pettersson must immediately leave the ice or retreive his helmet and put it on properly. Clearly on the play the reason Pettersson's helmet comes off is due to Lafreniere.

As Pettersson went to the bench the New York Rangers were able to tie the game and force overtime where they'd eventually win the game.

Head coach Mike Sullivan didn't mince words when asked about the rule, which requires a player to replace his helmet immediately or exit the ice if his helmet comes off a rule many players seem to hate.

I think it stinks. He has to come off. His helmet got pulled off intentionally by a Rangers player but that's the rule. It sucks to have that be the reason our season is over this way. The feeling behind the bench was that we were in control of the game. We were playing on our toes. We were playing the game the right way. But that's hockey, I guess.

The Rangers broadcast described the incident, "As Pettersson exits the ice, the Penguins lost their structure, and Mika Zibanejad took advantage."