Tampa Bay Lightning goal challenge takes nearly 2 minutes: NHL gives Tampa «benefit of the doubt»

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Liam
June 21, 2022 (2:33 PM)

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In last night's game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Lightning and Avalanche, Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper initiated a challenge to overturn a goal by offside that came almost 2 minutes after the whistle had blown.

As the NHLWatcher Twitter account relays, Elliotte Friedman on the intermission segment said that coaches typically only have 40 seconds to decide whether or not to challenge the goal; but because of the importance of the game and goal call, the referees allowed the challenge well after the regularly allowed time limit.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar was obviously not happy with the decision to allow the challenge after the time limit, insinuating that on such a close play, the Lightning video coaches were able to micro-analyze the play and overturn the goal, which was only put in place to reduce goals that were egregiously offside.

It was even reported by Arif Deen of Mile High Sports that the referees stood with Cooper as he watched multiple replays on the bench before making the decision to challenge it.

Friedman also noted on the broadcast that Cooper and the Lightning have regularly been allowed the benefit of the doubt on borderline calls and decisions by referees, citing their championship pedigree.

Fans have criticized the different rules that seem to apply to Cooper and the Lightning, offering them advantages that, as such a skilled team, they frankly don't need. This decision by the league and the referees to review the goal seriously calls into question to equity of the rules across the league, and rightfully so. The rules need to apply equally to everyone, whether you're the Tampa Bay Lightning or the Arizona Coyotes. Especially when the Lightning flaunted a Stanley Cup win last year being $18M over the salary cap, it's not a good look for the NHL to favour certain franchises.

After a several minutes-long review process, the goal was overturned. Although the Lightning won handedly, there's no question an overturned goal call disrupts the moment of the attacking team.