The Edmonton Oilers came into their Game 6 Stanley Cup matchup on Friday night with the Florida Panthers with all the momentum after taking the past two games of the series. And in Friday’s game, they got quite lucky when a very close offside call went in their favor, offsetting a crucial Panthers goal in the process.
Edmonton came out of the gates hot as they have in the past two games, scoring first in the game with a first-period goal from Warren Foegele.
The Oilers strike first in Game 6!
It's rocking in Edmonton. 🏒🚨 #StanleyCuppic.twitter.com/9bjyyiNqMK
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 22, 2024
The Oilers then added to this lead with another goal shortly after the beginning of the second period from Adam Henrique.
Adam Henrique puts Edmonton up 2-0.pic.twitter.com/5hOYb1iTW7
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 22, 2024
At this point in the game, it had a very similar script to the past two Oilers wins where the Oilers got an early lead over the Panthers that Florida simply couldn’t overcome.
This meant that it was incredibly important for the Panthers to answer and make this a one-goal game as soon as possible. It looked like they did just that immediately after Henrique’s goal, winning the following faceoff and scoring right away to make it a 2-1 game.
BARKOV GETS IT RIGHT BACK pic.twitter.com/SPoE48Bfz7
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 22, 2024
However, the goal was reviewed and it was ultimately determined on the replay that Carter Verhaeghe was offside, which of course called off the goal.
The Panthers appear to get one back, but Sasha Barkov's goal is called off due to an offsides. pic.twitter.com/eYUM4zVFb7
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 22, 2024
When you take a look at the slow-motion replay, it looks like they got the call right in the end. But it was far less obvious in real-time. Naturally, Panthers fans were not happy with this decision whatsoever.
Dumbest replay ruling I can recall
— A.J. Perez (@byajperez) June 22, 2024
It’s honestly ridiculous that it has come down to this. When it’s that close it should have been a goal, but I’m glad it went in favour of Edmonton.
— Cid Vicious (@gotta_won) June 22, 2024
As a Bruins fan who dislikes the Florida Panthers, I’d be absolutely pissed about that goal being overturned. Not because it wasn’t offside, but because the rule sucks.
— Nick Godin (@FlyingOrr) June 22, 2024
The Panthers just had a goal called back for being offside. How the tables have turned…
— Diandra Loux (@Diandra_loux) June 22, 2024
To add insult to injury, the Panthers goal scored 10 seconds later was ruled offside. If they aren't already, Florida is on Reverse Sweep watch. #StanleyCupFinal https://t.co/sRno7v2NDD
— Daniel Limjoco 🟦 (@AnimeSavior) June 22, 2024
Ultimately, the call was the right one. But if you are a Panthers fan, it’s fairly understandable to be upset after having a call that was that close go against you in that moment.
To make matters even worse, the Oilers would score a third time later in the second period to go into the third period with a 3-0 lead.
The Oilers take a 3-0 lead in Game 6! #StanleyCup 🏒🚨👀 pic.twitter.com/ExDO0mCQam
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 22, 2024
