Canada and the United States squared off on Wednesday in what many feel is certain to be a preview of the women’s hockey gold medal game. The US was fortunate that it was not an elimination game, because the Canadians may have benefitted from a controversial call on their go-ahead goal in the third period.
The goal that gave Canada a 2-1 lead appeared to be whistled dead, though the puck still continued into the net. The official who blew the whistle must have thought US goaltender Jessie Vetter had the puck underneath her pads, but she did not. Replays showed that the whistle was blown just as the puck was getting to the goal line.
Technically, a referee should only blow the whistle if the puck is frozen. But even if it’s not, the whistle still signifies a stoppage of play. Canada deserved the goal, but by the rule book it seems like the play should have been ruled dead as soon as the whistle sounded.
Canada went on to take a 3-1 lead later in the period after a US turnover in the attacking zone. It seems almost certain that the Americans will have a chance to avenge Wednesday’s loss later in the tournament.
Video via Sports Grid
