Introduction to the Game
It’s a fact NHL referees are calling fewer penalties this season. Entering Wednesday, teams had received nearly 12% fewer power-play opportunities than they cumulatively had as of March 26 last season.
The Pattern of Non-Calls
That pattern was very noticeable in the Blackhawks’ 5-3 loss Wednesday against the Devils — their eighth defeat in their last nine games. Both teams got away with plenty of questionable obstruction plays — the Hawks perhaps even more than the Devils, especially during the first period, when it seemed like someone was lightly hooking or holding on every shift.
The Most Impactful Non-Call
But the most impactful non-call of the night, however, hurt the Hawks immensely. Young Devils defenseman Simon Nemec received no punishment for beating up on Connor Bedard during the second period while Bedard was, granted, either holding or tangled up in Nemec’s stick on the ice.
Reaction to the Non-Call
Hawks forward Landon Slaggert then received a roughing penalty for coming over and shoving Nemec, and Dawson Mercer scored quickly on the ensuing power-play to extend the Devils’ lead to 4-2. On the national TNT broadcast, Hawks legend Eddie Olczyk said that if he was behind the Hawks’ bench, he would be “absolutely livid” and “getting somebody’s attention.”
Coach’s Reaction
Hawks interim coach Sorensen, however, didn’t have much reaction — as is typical for him during games, although not so much in practices. “I just don’t know what to gain out of it,” Sorensen said. "[The referees have] made their call; they’re probably not going to change it. You can try to talk to them in TV timeouts to get an explanation that way instead. Coming across yelling is probably not going to help the situation, right? [I] try to build a relationship and talk to them. I think that will go a longer way down the road.”
Momentum Swing
The momentum swing was particularly dramatic because the Hawks thought — a few minutes earlier — they had tied the game 3-3 on a Ryan Donato deflection, but the tip was determined to have occurred barely above the crossbar. Sorensen said he was surprised the goal call was overturned.
Final Minutes
Frank Nazar cut the deficit to one with 2:50 left, and the Hawks got away with a missed too-many-men infraction when pulling goalie Spencer Knight for the extra attacker after that. It didn’t end up mattering, though, as the Devils held on and added an empty-netter.
Conclusion
The Blackhawks’ loss to the Devils highlighted the impact of controversial calls on the outcome of games. The non-call on Simon Nemec and the subsequent penalty on Landon Slaggert turned the momentum of the game in favor of the Devils. The Hawks’ inability to capitalize on their opportunities and the Devils’ ability to take advantage of theirs ultimately led to the 5-3 loss.
FAQs
- Q: What was the final score of the game?
- A: The Devils won 5-3.
- Q: What was the most impactful non-call of the night?
- A: The non-call on Simon Nemec for beating up on Connor Bedard.
- Q: How did the Hawks’ coach react to the non-call?
- A: Coach Sorensen didn’t have much reaction during the game, choosing instead to try to build a relationship with the referees.
- Q: What was the turning point in the game?
- A: The momentum swing after the non-call and the subsequent power-play goal by the Devils.
