Kyle Palmieri and the New York Islanders were visibly upset with the officiating after their recent loss.
Palmieri believed he had scored the game-winning goal, his second of the night and 23rd of the season, with just seconds remaining. He redirected a shot past Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins. However, the apparent goal was immediately waved off by the referees due to goalie interference.
Ultimately, New York lost the game 4-3 in a shootout, marking their second straight defeat. This loss is particularly painful as the team is closely contending for a wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting just one point behind the Montreal Canadiens.
Following the game, Palmieri strongly criticized the decision, describing it as “embarrassing,” according to Ethan Sears of the New York Post.
When questioned about the explanation given for disallowing the goal, Palmieri stated that the official told him there was “contact in the crease.”
Palmieri sarcastically commented, “I guess the goalie needs five minutes to get reset and ready for the shot. It looked like (the official) couldn’t wait to wave it off.”
