Penalty on Kuznetsov's Goal?

[HoustonCapsFan]

I haven't seen anyone really talking about this, but we have a few days til the next game.  Two questions, should the refs have called a penalty on Letang for throwing his stick on the GWG (if it didn't go in)?  Then, would the refs have called the penalty and awarded the penalty shot?  I think the answer to the first is yes, but sadly I doubt the refs would have.


Rule 637 | Throwing Stick/Object

• (a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the ice who shoots or throws any portion of his stick or any other object in the direction of the puck.
• However, a penalty shot/optional minor penalty shall be awarded to the non-offending team if done in his defending zone.

[SpecialGoodn3ss]

It's really hard to say.


Even watching the video its hard to tell if he released it on purpose or if the position that he was holding it, combined with the force and angle he hit Kuzy's shin pad took it out of his hand.


Honestly, he probably could have stabbed Kuzy with it and it wouldn't have been a penalty in OT of an elimination game.

[4 Caps]

It is not clear to me that he threw his stick.  It looked like it was knocked from his hands when he hit Kuzy.  I am happy it is a moot point. 

[HoustonCapsFan]

I agree, I am glad it is a moot point.  I was just curious if anyone here had thoughts on the 'what if' scenario.  I know other rules (high sticking, tripping) don't factor in intent.  It is up to the player to keep control of their stick.  In the case of a thrown stick is it different?  Whether he intended to release the stick or not, he was playing the player on a breakaway from behind.  He lost control of his stick in the direction of the puck.  Would that be enough to trigger the infraction? 

[alta]

luckily it's a moot point, the Caps fan base didn't need anymore fuel for the conspiracy fire after the atrocious refereeing in game 5

[richkrt99]

No penalty.  I remember thinking he threw his stick at the time, but if you see it from the reverse angle (behind the net), then you can see he dived for Kuzy and the stick kind of wrapped around Kuzy's skate with Letang just holding it with one hand from the very end and it sort of sling shotted out of his hand as he was trying to sweep the puck.


It is pretty clear from the other angle, but glad like everyone else we don't have to care.


Go CAPS!

[DC_1908]

The Hens Gabe their own rule book and officials so probably not

[Maacoshark]

It should have been a penalty on Letang for throwing his stick. Since it was a break away it should have been called a penalty shot. Good thing we scored because I didn't see a call made

[RavenCp]

The Hens Gabe their own rule book and officials so probably not

[RavenCp]

He just let it go!:)