Things are not going the Edmonton Oilers’ way. They reached the Stanley Cup Finals last season, but eventually lost Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. The Oilers started the 2024/25 season as the betting odds favorites to win the Cup, but they’re still without a W three games in.
The Oilers lost Sunday’s Battle of Alberta against the Flames 4-1, but it wasn’t without some controversy regarding a few calls. The Oilers were up 1-0 in the game when they thought they had taken a two-goal lead.
Corey Perry was inside the crease when the puck crossed the line, but although Perry did not initiate contact with the goalie, the goal was overturned.
READ MORE: Georges Laraque calls out Ryan Reaves for breaking NHL code
There was no doubt that Perry was in the crease, and he had made contact with Dan Vladar moments before. The goalie did, however, have time to recover and reposition, and it was rather him who skated up towards Perry in the top of the crease and made contact with him before the puck crossed the line.
The NHL released a statement explaining why the goal was called back, saying, “Edmonton’s Corey Perry had a significant presence in the crease which impaired Dan Vladar’s ability to play his position prior to his goal.”
READ MORE: Jeremy Swayman explains his heated exchange with Nick Suzuki
But fans were extremely upset with the call, and some insiders decided to call out the league as well.
“That might be the worst overturn I’ve ever witnessed. Incredibly, that’s a no goal. I can’t imagine why,” Marc Spector said.
Ryan Whitney, co-host of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, felt the same way.
“The worst goaltender interference call the world of hockey has ever seen,” he said.
This was a tough one. Corey Perry was in the goal crease, no doubt about it, but he has been for about 1,300 games, and battling in front of the goal is a crucial part of hockey. What are your thoughts on the call?
