Gallagher livid after late rejected goal, league releases statement

The Montreal Canadiens were clearly not happy Tuesday night after their second loss in a row to the Ottawa Senators, but it wasn't necessarily the loss that had the team upset. With just three seconds left in the game, Brendan Gallagher scores what appeared to be the game winner with a tip in front of Matt Murray. It was called a goal on the ice but was challenged by Ottawa for goalie interference. The official ruling was that Murray did not have time to reset after contact from Gallagher. Check it out:

The Habs would go on to lose 5-4 in a shootout. Gallagher was still clearly hot afterwards.

"This play, I get knocked on my ass, I have time to reset, you can't tell me the goalie doesn't have time to reset," said Gallagher.

"To me, it's ruined the product," he added, echoing a sentiment many fans have expressed all over the league regarding video review.

Gallagher's complaints must have made their way back to league offices as the NHL released a statement on the overturned goal.

"Video review determined that Montreal's Brendan Gallagher impaired Ottawa goaltender Matt Murray's ability to play his position in the crease prior to the puck entering the net," said the NHL." The decision was made in accordance with Rule 69.1 which states, in part, that 'Goals should be disallowed only if: (1) an attacking player, either by his positioning or by contact, impairs the goalkeeper's ability to move freely within his crease or defend his goal'."

TSN's Gord Miller, who called the game, took to Twitter to disagree with Gallagher's statement.

"With all due respect to Gallagher and his clear interest here, no one I've spoken or texted with after the game (outside of Montreal) thinks that goal should have counted. If the situation was reversed, pretty sure Gallagher, Montreal fans and media would feel differently," said Miller.

Jeff O' Neill, Miller's colleague at TSN, was on the other side of the argument.

"Bizarre call in Montreal. How long you gonna give the goalie to reset," said O' Neill, while giving the thumbs-down sign.

While this disallowed goal will be talked about for at least a couple of days yet, the bottom line is Montreal desperately needs to be better. Carey Price has had a strange season so far where he seems to make a few great saves in a row, and then let's in a really soft goal to take the wind out of the team's sails. He knows it, too.

"Obviously that's not the result or the way I want to play. It's a process I'm going to have to stick with and figure it out," said Price.

You have to think Montreal coach Claude Julien is getting nervous right now. Montreal likely overachieved somewhat at the beginning of the season, but the team should be better than what they're playing right now. The Habs have won just one game in their last six outings.

MUST READ

1 hour ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

3 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

4 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

6 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

7 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Jordan Reaves Calls Out Darnell Nurse After He Plays the Victim Following Hit From Brother Ryan

21 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Two Maple Leafs Reporters Have Tense Altercation on Mitch Marner's Market Value

22 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Nashville Predators Practice Takes a Nasty Turn as Players Fight On the Ice Due to Mounting Frustration

23 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks John Gibson Reportedly Willing to Waive No-Trade Clause for One Specific Team

MORE STORIES