Maple Leafs Fans Furious Over Controversial Call by NHL Video Review Team

It was a Sunday evening matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Minnesota Wild from the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Toronto needed a big comeback win after another disappointing game against St. Louis, and the Wild are trying to establish themselves in a tough Central Division.

So with that being said, the game had its fair share of controversy as Minnesota's Ryan Hartman ended up scoring a goal off of what looked to be a blatant kicking motion, and giving the Wild a 1-0 lead:

You can see Hartman shift his feet so that he glides the puck in with the side of his skate. Upon further review the puck looked like it also bounced off of John Tavares, however, it would not have, had Hartman not kicked the puck:

This means that had Hartman not kicked Tavares' stick with the puck, there wouldn't be a goal. After a review it was determined to be a good goal, which is an egregious call from the NHL Video Review Team, who have often found themselves in the middle of some pretty ridiculous calls, or non-calls; most recently when William Nylander was re-assessed on a penalty and given a double minor after a video review; a completely legal, but ridiculous rule.

For Hartman, it was his third goal of the season for the 7-1-2 Wild, who are coming into this season with something to prove and have been on the cusp of breaking out for the past few seasons. For Toronto, it was another heartbreaking decision to go against them this young season, as they feel the deck is stacked against them at times. Even last night, Ryan Suter got away with a nasty hit on Mitch Marner after the whistle, only for Auston Matthews to receive a penalty for sticking up for his teammate.

Toronto managed to get one back though, as the game is currently tied at 1-1 at the end of the second period. WIlliam Nylander continued his goal-scoring streak and added his 9th of the season, with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner picking up assists.

Stay tuned for more stories from the Maple Leafs/Wild game as they happen!