NHL referees under fire for blatant missed call between the Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks

Last night's game between the Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche was pivotal for the latter as they finally got their first win of the 2024-25 NHL season.

The 2022 Stanley Cup Champions were ousted in last year's playoffs by the Dallas Stars, and with lots of injuries, they had a brutal start to the 2024-25 season, going down 4-0. Luckily, in last night's game, Nathan Mackinnon came through in a big way with a highlight reel overtime winner, sealing the first game in the win column for the Avalanche this year.

All this, however, was no thanks to the referees, who are now under fire for a truly blatant missed call that shifted the dynamic of the entire game.

Although the Anaheim Ducks flipped the puck over the glass, they were not penalized by officials.

Only a few seconds later, Ryan Strome, a veteran on the Anaheim Ducks and former fifth overall pick, scored, giving his team a two-nothing lead despite being out-shot by 11 in the period.

Goaltending has been a serious disaster for the Colorado Avalanche this season, highlighted in last night's tight win. With captain Gabriel Landeskog still unable to play, and superstar Mikko Rantanen potentially not considering re-signing, as well as Cale Makar not looking like his old self, the team has no consistency at any position.

If they had lost last night's game due to the referees' mistake, it would have just been salt on the wound.

As for the Anaheim Ducks, trade rumours revolving around goaltender John Gibson are out there - could a match made in heaven exist with the Avalanche? We will have to wait and see.

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