Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The NHL has officially announced a change that is generating discussion in the middle of the Eastern Conference Final between the Montreal Canadiens and the Hurricanes.
Why is it drawing so much reaction today?
Because it is fairly ridiculous.
Ryan Paton shared the official information on social media.
“Different game. Same result, but they added one more shot, so let’s make it 13 instead.
3-2 overtime win for the Hurricanes against the Montreal Canadiens”
A statistical revision that comes more than 24 hours after the end of Game 3 at the Bell Centre.
The Montreal Canadiens ultimately avoid the NHL record for the fewest shots during this sequence to open a series
The context behind the change is what has people talking, especially.
Everyone was talking about the fact that the Canadiens had been limited to 12 shots during Game 3.
It was a historic statistic that was dangerously close to some very unwanted records in NHL history.
But in the end, the Canadiens officially recorded 13 shots according to the new statistical revision.
It changes absolutely nothing about the final result of the game, but it is a bit embarrassing for the NHL.
Instead of focusing on adding shots more than 24 hours after the end of the game, the league should instead focus on punishing dangerous hits to the head.
That is exactly the kind of criticism (which we are seeing a lot of) that perfectly sums up the general frustration among Canadiens fans right now.
No suspension. No significant fine. Just complete radio silence from the NHL.
But when it comes to adding one small shot on goal, suddenly the league finds the time and resources necessary.
No, the priorities are clearly not in the right place for Gary Bettman and NHL management.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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NHL announces change that has people talking during Canadiens-Hurricanes series before Game 4
Do you think the NHL should prioritize suspensions for dangerous hits rather than modifying shot statistics more than 24 hours after games have ended?