Leafs-Capitals game sees three goals called back with one of the most controversial in NHL history

The Leafs-Capitals game had no shortage of controversy, with three goals being called back. One of those goals set fans ablaze on social media as it was ridiculous.

NHL referees rarely dodge the heat from critics. Wednesday night's Washington Capitals-Toronto Maple Leafs matchup did little to douse the fire.

In an up-and-down action, the Maple Leafs came out on top in overtime, but the officials stole the headlines with four video reviews and three major overturned calls, very unpopular decisions it seemed.

The Capitals, trying to move ahead, gave up a critical second-period setback. Then, it seemed as though the Capitals had taken a 3-1 lead on a goal by John Carlson, but the coach of the Leafs immediately challenged it as goaltender interference.

After a very lengthy review, the referees agreed with them, calling that Nic Dowd had interfered with Leafs' goalie Joseph Woll and disallowing the goal.

The call was very controversial, with many fans and analysts alike exclaiming Dowd didn't interfere with Woll's ability to make the save.

It was then put in comparison to a recent case where Matthew Tkachuk from Florida had contact with a goalie, which was not called for a penalty, hence bringing into question consistency in refereeing. Nevertheless, fans couldn't believe their eyes.

A video review took away a high-sticking penalty that was originally assessed to Toronto's Matthew Knies later in the period.

It was ruled Dowd's shoulder, not his stick, made contact, wiping out the penalty. The Leafs soon had their own disappointment when a goal by Steven Lorentz was disallowed on a ruling he had kicked the puck into the net.

Minutes later, another would-be goal by Knies was called back when his stick was ruled above the crossbar on a tip-in attempt.

The Leafs did manage to tie the game at 3-3 and win it in overtime, but it seemed the continuous flow of the game was pretty disrupted for many fans and analysts, including Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan, saying that the referees overshadowed the action on the ice.

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