Oilers denied full 5 on 3 after officials missed obvious penalty call

Only 15 seconds into their penalty kill, a clear error occurred when Panthers defenseman Kevin Stenlund sent the puck soaring over the glass from his defensive zone, a move usually warranting a penalty.

The referees, however, mistakenly judged the incident as having occurred in the neutral zone, leading to no call being made despite protests from the players on ice. The scene unfolded dramatically as everyone from the coaches to the fans witnessed the error, yet the decision stood uncorrected.

The intensity of the game escalated as Oilers coach Knoblauch could not hide his frustration, openly rebuking the referee's decision. This moment underscored the high stakes, especially given the Oilers' renowned proficiency during powerplays, where a 5 on 3 scenario could decidedly shift the game's dynamics.

Despite multiple replays shown on the broadcast and on the jumbotron, the referees were unable to use video review to correct their call, a limitation that sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

This incident not only highlighted the limitations of current review policies but also marked a rare instance of coach Knoblauch losing his composure—a testament to the high tensions and the critical nature of the game's context.

The Oilers' missed opportunity for a powerplay advantage, often termed their "best weapon," might very well have altered the outcome of an intensely competitive match.