In an era of concussions, hits to the head and increased sensitivity surrounding both, sometimes the refs are going to get it wrong. Turns out they got it way wrong at a crucial point in Friday night’s game between the Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues.
Near the halfway point of the third period, with the game knotted at 3-3, David Backes delivered a hard body check to Kent Huskins. Backes received a five-minute major and match penalty for an illegal hit to the head. Only problem is Backes never touched Huskins’ head. It was clear shoulder to chest.
The official was behind the play and didn’t have the best angle. Although Huskins was shaken up, the hit in real time doesn’t look overly violent. It appears the official was making a judgment more to the way Huskins reacted to the hit than the actual contact.
It cost the Blues dearly.
Detroit scored on the ensuing power play and added an empty-net goal to earn a 5-3 win over St. Louis.
This will likely get looked at by the NHL and expect Backes’ match penalty to be rescinded.
(h/t @Fel0096)
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