Tuesday 24 April 2012

Lundqvist Delivers Broadside to NHL Officials

New York Rangers goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist, has openly criticised match officials, following his side’s controversial 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, on Monday night.

The victory saw the Rangers tie the Stanley Cup series up at 3-3, but the game was not without incidents. There were a number of talking points, following the match, with the usually passive Lundqvist the most vocal of the disgruntled players.

With 38 seconds of the clash remaining, the Canadian side were trailing 3-1. However, after a lengthy goal-line scramble, the side managed to find the net, to draw within a single goal of their rivals.

The goal was mired in controversy; it appeared that, during the incident, Senators’ wing, Chris Neil, interfered with the Swedish goaltender, stopping him from making a save. He also tried to kick the puck into the Rangers’ net.

After a lengthy review, the goal was given. Lundqvist believes that there may have been outside influences on the decision.

"It’s an absolute joke”, he said. “When its goalie interference and a kick, and they still call it a goal; that scares me. Someone wanted them back in the game, for sure."

The New Yorkers have complained about a number of controversial decisions, this season, and coach, John Tortorella, has already been fined a total of $50,000for a series of negative comments directed at NHL officials.

The two sides will now face off for the final time at Madison Square Garden, on Thursday, with the winner going through to play either the Boston Bruins or the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The Rangers are the bookies' favourites for the clash in the ice hockey betting.

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