The Boston Bruins' ability to win Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final was severely hindered by a shocking no-call in the third period, and B's coach Bruce Cassidy was understandably furious in his postgame presser.
Cassidy ripped the blown call as "egregious" and described the officiating as a "black eye" for the NHL.
"Those are the hits they want to get out of the game, correct? That's what I hear a lot about," Cassidy said. "Clearly, they missed a couple (Thursday night). It's a fast game. I sat here two days ago or whatever it was and said I believe these officials are at this level because they've earned the right to be here. You should be getting the best. But, I mean, the narrative changed after Game 3. There's a complaint or whatever put forth by the opposition. It just seems to have changed everything. The no-call on Acciari -- their player is on his way to the box. It's right in front of the official. It's a slew foot. Our guy's gone. The spotter took him out of the game for a possible concussion.
"It's blatant. It had a big effect on the game. This has happened. I'm a fan of the game. It's the National Hockey League's getting a black-eye with their officiating in these playoffs, and there's another one that's going to be talked about. I thought it was a great hockey game. ... There's time, but it really made it difficult for us to get the win (Thursday night). I'm disappointed. I guess to answer your original question, it was egregious. But we're moving on. We're getting ready for Game 6."
To recap, Bruins forward Noel Acciari was tripped near the boards by St. Louis Blues forward Tyler Bozak about midway through the third period. Acciari fell hard to the ice after getting his leg taken out from under him, but the referee standing right behind the play made no call.
The Blues increased their lead to 2-0 seconds later when David Perron beat Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask. Boston did get on the board with a goal from Jake DeBrusk a few minutes later, but they couldn't find an equalizer and lost 2-1.
The defeat moves the Bruins to the brink of elimination. The Blues, who lead the series 3-2, can win the Stanley Cup on home ice Sunday in Game 6.
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