Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville Sounds Off On NHL's Goal Rules
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Often after a tough loss, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville uses a soft tone for his postgame press conferences, one inaudible for even those seated in the front row. Following Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Sharks, Quenneville didn't hold back.
During the first period of action at the United Center, Blackhawks forward Brandon Mashinter deflected in a puck past Sharks goaltender Martin Jones. San Jose coach Peter DeBoer elected to use his challenge, saying that Dennis Rasmussen's skate was in the crease. The officials removed the goal from the board.
When he met the media later, Quenneville was upset.
"It's gone to a different level," Quenneville said in a strong tone. "I don't know the rules anymore, or something has changed, because my understanding, played a lot of hockey, that -- I don't know. I think everybody has an interpretation of what's a good goal and what's a bad goal. But, I can't believe it."
Quenneville threw his arms in the air as he expressed his disbelief, then stormed out of his press conference after just one question -- the first time he's done this as coach of the Blackhawks.
This marked the second occurrence in the last three games that a questionable review has removed a Blackhawks goal. Last Thursday in Chicago's 5-4 overtime win in Arizona, a Marian Hossa goal was taken off the board. Quenneville unleashed his rage on the officials, jumping in front of his team's bench and strongly expressing his displeasure.
Following Tuesday's dismissed goal, Quenneville stood behind the bench and appeared to use some colorful language toward the officials.
Had the Blackhawks' goal stayed on the board, the score would've been even at 1-1 into the third period. The Sharks tallied their second score of the game on an empty net, with the Blackhawks looking to erase its 1-0 deficit. Mashinter's would-be goal may have made a difference in the game.
The call in question, which regards goaltender interference, seems to vary. It cost the Blackhawks badly Tuesday night in their return to home ice.
"Every likely touch with the goalie seems like it's a goal disallowed," Hossa said. "The league wants to get more goals, but it seems like the rules are doing a good job taking goals away.
"One touch seems like no goal and interference, and it kind of sucks."
The Blackhawks own the Western Conference lead with 76 points, just ahead of their Thursday foes, the Stars. Chicago will hope to reverse its fortunes the next time on home ice.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
