NHL Video Review Team facing heavy criticism as the reason for the Leafs loss with massive blown call

Ryan Hartman of the Minnesota Wild scored the team's first goal which many are saying for a clear kicking motion. After a lengthy review, the goal ended up counting.

Whipping into last night's game, the Toronto Maple Leafs were 6-5-1 and looking to rebound from a stretch of tough games. Coming off of an ugly loss to the St. Louis Blues, many hopes were atop the Leafs for a turnaround. But early in this game versus the Minnesota Wild, the Leafs found themselves down 1-0 on a highly controversial goal. The play itself was reviewed and ultimately counted, but there was a fair amount of controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the goal, as many thought it was kicked into the net.

The goal in question came courtesy of Ryan Hartman, who appeared to make a clear kicking motion toward the puck near Leafs' goaltender Anthony Stolarz. Video replays seemed to indicate Hartman winding up his foot and propelling the puck into the net in a manner that would usually raise review. Normally, such would have the goal disallowed; this time around, however, it was allowed by the officials, and the Leafs' players and their fans were in a disgruntled mood. Immediately, the call fired up debates about inconsistent officiating when such instances occur that involve kicking motions.

Making the situation even more complex, another angle of the play insinuated that Hartman's foot may have contacted John Tavares' stick and directed the puck into the net. While, yes, it is true that Tavares' stick made the final contact, Leafs fans argue that Hartman's kicking motion had sufficient impact on the play to have the puck end up in the goal. This was a bit over the line for many, as there is contact from Hartman that is felt to be a direct interference, taking part in the movement of Tavares' stick in the process.

The Leafs believed Hartman's kicking motion should've negated the goal, citing league rules that outline any kicking motion directed toward the puck as disqualification grounds. While Hartman didn't kick it into the goal himself with his stick, it became an area of gray and thus very debate-filled. The Leafs also feel like the officials missed an opportunity for a fair call to continue what has been a pretty frustrating season in terms of calls.

There were some positives to take in, despite the controversy. Auston Matthews stood up for Mitch Marner after he was hit, a good sign of leadership. The Leafs rallied to tie the game before the period was out and at least kept alive the hope of a season-saving comeback. Resilience is key for a team who finds themselves on the wrong end, time and time again of close calls; they move forward.

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