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Opinion: The NHL Got the Landeskog Kicking Motion Call Wrong

The NHL’s latest officiating controversy has sparked debate after Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog’s goal was overturned in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena. The play unfolded in the first period when Jaden Schwartz’s one-timer deflected off Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith’s pads before striking Landeskog’s skate and entering the net.

NHL replay officials in Toronto ruled the puck had been directed into the net with a distinct kicking motion, a decision Landeskog contested. He argued that the call was flawed, noting that the motion appeared intentional only in slow-motion replay, not in real time.

Landeskog emphasized the split-second nature of the game, suggesting his skate movement was a natural reaction rather than a deliberate kick. The ruling underscores ongoing challenges in defining and enforcing the league’s rules consistently, leaving fans and players questioning the clarity of officiating standards.

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