Try to give an actual report as a fan. Why should we EVER accept such GARBAGE?
- Flyersgod

So, basically, Paul should cast aside his knowledge and experience at the game's top levels and stop trying to educate people about what really goes on both on the ice and behind the scenes. Gotcha.

Paul has said time and time again that just as a hockey team's level of success (or lack thereof) is primarily based on how the team is assembled and coached to execute a specific system, the same factors either set up officials for success or failure. He's also said that just as not every player is going to be a star, there are some officials who are more skilled than others -- but even the best make their share of mistakes.

If you want to read a fan blog steeped solely in themes of "all these officials stink" or "our team gets screwed every game", there is no shortage of them.

If you want to read the perspective of someone who refereed over 1,000 NHL games after being a player who reached the NHL and WHA levels, you aren't gong to get something filtered through a fan's eyes.

Who cares? Sharks weren't winning this game anyway

So, basically, Paul should cast aside his knowledge and experience at the game's top levels and stop trying to educate people about what really goes on both on the ice and behind the scenes. Gotcha.

Paul has said time and time again that just as a hockey team's level of success (or lack thereof) is primarily based on how the team is assembled and coached to execute a specific system, the same factors either set up officials for success or failure. He's also said that just as not every player is going to be a star, there are some officials who are more skilled than others -- but even the best make their share of mistakes.

If you want to read a fan blog steeped solely in themes of "all these officials stink" or "our team gets screwed every game", there is no shortage of them.

If you want to read the perspective of someone who refereed over 1,000 NHL games after being a player who reached the NHL and WHA levels, you aren't gong to get something filtered through a fan's eyes.
- bmeltzer

I really enjoy and learn a great deal from you Paul. Thanks for taking the time to contribute to this blog!

The issue is the rule writers don't understand the definition of 'incidental'.

They should use either deliberate or accidental. If accidental contact with the goalie, it should be allowed. This was deliberate contact and should be disallowed, if the rule was written properly.