Bad Calls? Penguins Have TWO Goals Taken Away on Challenges

The PPG Paints Arena Crowd voiced their displeasure. So, too, did the Pittsburgh Penguins after a coach’s challenge for goaltender interference overturned their first goal against the Nashville Predators.

Perhaps it was, though much worse has withstood a video review. It would have been the Penguins’ first goal and a power-play goal at 6:23. Michael Bunting’s beauty of a shot between his legs was nullified.

Michael Bunting was NOT happy to have this between-the-legs tuck overturned 😳 pic.twitter.com/TZvZqskmR0

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 15, 2024

Moments later, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dove to poke a puck into the net behind Nashville goalie Juuse Saros, momentarily erasing the bad feelings.

The “Ref, you suck” chants were only beginning.

The Penguins blitzed Nashville throughout the first period and appeared to score a second power-play goal at 16:20. However, Lars Eller was on the line, which outlines the crease.

Eller didn’t contact Saros, but Saros didn’t see Kris Letang’s shot as he pushed Eller away. It would have been 3-0 Penguins, but again, Nashville coach Andrew Brunette said nay-nay, and again, referees agreed.

Decide for yourself.

I’ve watched this 10 times. Where is the goaltender interference? pic.twitter.com/hHq8DLFlwT

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 15, 2024

The Penguins outshot Nashville 21-5 in the first period and led 2-0 despite scoring four times. The team’s playoff hopes hang perilously in the balance. A regulation loss could eliminate them if either the Washington Capitals or Detroit Red Wings win on Monday.

For balance, the Nashville broadcast seemed to agree with the calls.

Nashville telecast commentary on 2nd disallowed goal pic.twitter.com/D1WPSmUXfQ

— GStar (@GStartari) April 15, 2024