Oilers goal waived off instantly with no review and fans are livid

Despite Evan Bouchard's powerful slap shot from near the blue line finding the net, the goal was promptly disallowed, stirring confusion and controversy among fans and commentators alike.

As the puck crossed the line, Canucks' goalie Arturs Silovs was down on the ice after a collision involving Connor McDavid, who appeared to be pushed into Silovs by a Canucks defender. Silovs, positioned at the top of the crease, seemed to fall rather easily, potentially to draw a penalty, leaving spectators questioning the fairness of the call.

The decision to waive off the goal came rapidly and without subsequent review, an unusual move given the context of the play and its significance in the tied game. Oilers' coach Knoblauch chose not to challenge the call, likely to avoid the risk of a penalty that could jeopardize the team's position further.

The issue of goaltender interference was at the heart of the debate. Elliotte Friedman, speaking on the NHL broadcast, suggested that interference was the correct call, citing McDavid's insufficient effort to exit the crease. However, many argue that interference rules should not apply when a player is involuntarily pushed, highlighting a grey area in the enforcement of this rule.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about the consistency of goaltender interference calls across the NHL. The lack of a review in such a pivotal moment has only amplified calls for more transparency and consistency in officiating, especially in crucial playoff games.

As the game remained tied at 1, the Oilers are now under pressure to intensify their efforts if they hope to secure a victory against the Canucks and push the series to a decisive seventh game. The controversy over this disallowed goal will likely linger, serving as a critical talking point as the series progresses.