The fight for the Stanley Cup playoffs is intensifying, and the New York Islanders’ recent loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets has sparked controversy. Head coach Patrick Roy voiced strong objections after referees disallowed a crucial last-minute goal by Kyle Palmieri.
The decision, initially thought to be for a high stick, was ultimately called goaltender interference – a ruling that left Roy and Palmieri furious. Palmieri specifically called the call ‘(expletive) embarrassing’ in his postgame comments, while Roy questioned the entire review system. This incident has reignited debates about NHL officiating consistency during critical late-season games.
In this high-stakes matchup between Eastern Conference wild card contenders, Palmieri appeared to score the game-winner with under 10 seconds remaining. The arena erupted before officials waved off the goal, a call that stood after video review.
“If Toronto is afraid to overturn calls on the ice, we don’t need Toronto,” Roy told The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, criticizing the NHL’s review process.
Palmieri’s reaction
The Blue Jackets ultimately won in a shootout, leaving the Islanders frustrated. Palmieri didn’t hold back: “He said there was contact initiated in the crease. I guess the goalie needs five minutes to get reset now. It looked like he couldn’t wait to wave it off,” Palmieri told the New York Post’s Ethan Sears, calling the decision “(expletive) embarrassing.”
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The overtime loss gives New York a 32-28-10 record as they prepare to face Vancouver on Wednesday. While they earned one standings point, the disallowed goal could prove costly in their NHL playoff chase.
