The Winnipeg Jets suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon, by a score of 3-2 in overtime, but there was some controversy during the finish.
With Minnesota on the powerplay, Wild forward Zach Parise was posted up in front of the net, causing chaos in front of Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck. The Wild worked the puck around, eventually putting it toward the net as Parise made contact with the Jets backstop, allowing Eric Staal to pick up the loose puck and knock it into the open net for the game winning goal.
There is clear contact on two occasions between Parise and Hellebuyck, the first of which was quite harmless. It is the second occurrence that has caused Jets head coach Paul Maurice some obvious displeasure. See the video below:
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Although the second time Parise makes contact, he appears to be pushed in, he definitely ends up taking Hellebuyck right out of the play, allowing Staal to find the wide open net in the deciding goal. Needless to say, it didn't sit well with Maurice.
"It's goalie interference all day long for me and there's not a lot of gray area on that one, but I'm not giving them any money. Not one dime."
This, of course, a reference to the recent fine slapped on Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella for his verbal lashing directed at the officials and the league following a controversial finish in Columbus' loss to the Blackhawks just prior to the new year.
It's difficult to argue that the officials got the right call in either situation, but, nevertheless, here we are.
Here's Maurice's full post game press conference:
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