Offside Ruling Shifts Game 6 Momentum
Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice refrained from challenging the offside call, but Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch saw it as a clear-cut decision. This pivotal review nullified a second-period goal by Panthers’ captain Aleksander Barkov, securing Edmonton’s 2-0 lead and steering the momentum firmly in their favor. Barkov’s goal could have narrowed the gap to 2-1, moments after Oilers’ Adam Henrique had doubled the lead. Officials ruled that Florida’s Sam Reinhart was offside, nullifying what might have been a turning point for the Panthers.
Maurice acknowledged the significance of the overturned goal in the Panthers’ quest for a spark. Down 2-0, the Panthers hoped for a shift in energy, only to see the situation worsen as Edmonton added another before the period’s end. Gustav Forsling’s one-timer was blocked, leading to Zach Hyman’s goal, piling on the pressure for Florida. Knoblauch’s challenge record, guided by coaches Noah Segall and Mike Fanelli, and assistant Mark Stuart, proved decisive once more. Knoblauch felt confident about the offside call after reviewing it, despite Maurice’s differing perspective.
Historically, Edmonton forced a Game 7, becoming the third team to do so after trailing 3-0 in the finals. Florida’s players expressed frustration over the overturned goal but acknowledged the fairness of the decision upon review. Captain Barkov and Maurice both conceded that the video evidence justified the call. The Panthers’ defeat created a pressing need for introspection and preparation, as they face the daunting task of recovering from three consecutive losses, outscored 18-5, to avoid a historic collapse in the Stanley Cup Final.
