Crosby and Sullivan Rip Helmet Rule

Game 7 OT loss - that can sting. Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan was measured in his responses to the media in his post-game availability, but he was clearly upset about one play in particular. In the third period, Penguins' defenseman Marcus Pettersson got wrapped up with Rangers' forward Alexis Lafreniere behind the net. In the skirmish, Petterson's helmet comes off.

Obviously, this occurred during the same play where Mika Zibanejad scored the game tying goal. Here are some of the Penguins responses to the play:

Head coach Mike Sullivan:

Captain Sidney Crosby (1:46-1:53), "That terrible rule ends up probably being the difference in the game."

And a more measured response from goaltender Tristan Jarry, "I think that's the rule by the NHL... that could be changed. I don't think there's many inuries that happen when players play without helmets."

Here is the rule in question: "A player on the ice whose helmet comes off during play shall be assessed a minor penalty if he does not exit the playing surface ... or retrieve and replace his helmet properly on his head (with or without his chin strap fastened), within a reasonable period of time. It is reasonable if a player who is making a play on the puck or who is in the vicinity of the puck and engaged in the play at the time his helmet comes off, takes the opportunity to complete the play before either exiting the ice or retrieving and replacing his helmet."

Really though, you cannot expect a penalty call during that play. It's the playoffs - you can never expect a penalty call for any play. You just have to play on. Is it an unfortunate series of events - sure. The playoffs are about facing adversity. Furthermore, as the rule states, Pettersson could have actually made an immediately play on the puck OR put his helmet back on, although the rule is a big ambiguous about the word "reasonable."

Two more points to consider: First - Pettersson did indeed make a successful change for Kris Letang, who made it into to the play prior to the goal being scored. Secondly, taking a legitimate penalty in overtime (Brock McGinn) was probably more of a contributing factor to losing the game.

At the end of the day, this is why we play a 7 game series, and the Penguins had game leads, series leads, favorable calls, and plenty of opportunities to advance to the next round. If they are looking to place blame, they need only look into a mirror.

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