The Pittsburgh Penguins hoisted the Stanley Cup on Nashville ice after beating the Predators in Game 6 of the Final, 2-0.
Nashville’s Pekka Rinne and Pittsburgh’s Matt Murray were each sensational between the pipes for their respective clubs. Rinne made 27 saves, many of the spectacular variety, and Murray turned aside all 27 shots he faced.
Except for one very controversial one.
Early in the second period, Colton Sissons poked home a rebound Murray had left in his crease but the official blew the whistle having lost sight of the puck. While Bridgestone Arena erupted at the sight of the puck crossing the goal line, the two referees and two linesmen convened and determined “no goal.”
“It’s tough but that’s sports,” Predators captain Mike Fisher said. “There’s human error in every sport. That’s the way it goes sometimes and we can’t control that, unfortunately. I’m sure the ref feels bad about it but what do you do? It wasn’t on purpose.”
Having gone through a similar controversial instance in Game 1, the Preds kept their wits about them and continued to battle. The game remained scoreless but, with just 1:35 left in regulation, former Predator Patric Hornqvist batted a puck in off the goal netting to put his team up 1-0. Carl Hagelin would add the empty netter to ensure the victory.
“It’s just a tough loss for our guys,” Head Coach Peter Laviolette said. “They played well tonight and it’s difficult to think that we’re not playing tomorrow.”
Is it October yet?