In Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the Stars and Sharks there were 2 goals by Brenden Morrow that were waved off. The first of these 2 goals was a supposed “distinct kicking motion” by Morrow.
The goal was reviewed, re-reviewed and reviewed some more before being waved off. The rule book states that a goal should be waved off it there is a “distinct kicking motion”.
Do you see such a motion in this video (below)?
There are 3 things that must be highlighted here.
1. Brenden Morrow was DRAGGING his foot while crashing the net. No kicking motion, not even any movement in that leg that would create further momentum on the puck.
2. Brenden Morrow didn’t even know the puck was there, as he was looking the other way.
3. This is a set play for the Stars. Morrow crashes the net, the center passes the puck into the slot, and usually a defenseman takes the shot. Morrow gets the re-bound if needed.
So why is Ron Wilson the biggest know-it-all of the NHL?
He supposedly stated that he saw this was a distinct kicking type goal the minute it happened. Yes, he claims he saw that Morrow “kicked” the puck, all the way from his bench, through his own team, as well as all the Dallas players on the ice.
The referees needed to review this goal a number of times… and Ron Wilson saw it clear as day the first time? Give me a break! Ron Wilson, stop being an egomaniac know-it-all and get some reality in your coaching.
After the first round i find myself only just above 50% in my predictions. Here’s how I did for round 1:
East: Montreal Canadiens – correct
Pittsburgh Penguins – correct
Washington Capitals – incorrect (but they were close)
New Jersey Devils – incorrect
West:
Detroit Red Wings – correct – I predicted a sweep, so i was far off.
Calgary Flames – incorrect – it went to 7 though.
Colorado Avalanche – correct
Dallas Stars – correct (i nailed this one)
So, for round 2 we have:
Montreal Canadiens – Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers only just scraped past the Washington Capitals, and pretty much fell apart the minute the Capitals put any offensive pressure on. They wont last long under the Canadiens attack.
Pittsburgh Penguins – New York Rangers
The Penguins dominated their first round opponent, but the Rangers wont be anywhere as easy. I believe this game will come down to M.A. Fleury Vs Henrik Lundqvist, and I simply don’t feel M.A.F. has what it takes to be the victor.
Detroit Red Wings – Colorado Avalanche
Detroit have just come off a long series with the Nashville Predators, and appeared to falter a number of times during that series. The Wings special teams were also a lot worse than they should have been. The Avalanche on the other hand are motivated and have their good players healthy again. I think special teams and netminders will decide who win this series.
San Jose Sharks – Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars showed dominance in their round against the Anaheim Ducks. They outplayed, outskilled and out-believed them in all areas of the ice in all but 1 of the games. They also have shaked the monkey off their back as far as expectations of these playoffs – pass the first round. The Stars have nothing to lose now, and everything to gain, so expect to see them give the Sharks all they have. The Sharks have 1 good offensive line, and it’s been their checking line… the Stars however have 3 solid scoring lines, all which scored 8-7-6 goals per line respectively in round 1. Special Teams will play a big role here, and the Sharks may be in danger if the Stars get Sergei Zubov back on the blue line. Turco Vs Nabokov, Zubov Vs Campbell are the 2 key matchups here.
Washington Capitals – incorrect (but they were close)
New Jersey Devils – incorrect
So, the predictions:
Montreal Canadiens in 5 games
New York Rangers in 6 games
Colorado Avalanche in 6 games
Dallas Stars in 6 games
