NHL Misses Lydman Goal in Sabres' Game 2 Loss?

Here is the evidence, you be the judge.

DVR Stills from Billszone

(***IMPORTANT***)

To access hi-def clips:
username: brad12R
password: bbrblog)
The YouTube "Smoking Gun" Video

I have been searching for evidence to confirm my suspicions and I think I have enough now to confirm that the NHL did, in fact, fail to award the Sabres a goal on a Toni Lydman shot in the first period of Game 2 of the conference finals.

In the following pictures taken from a high definition DVR and video from YouTube, you will see the puck enter the net and come out after disappearing into the net.

In the video you will see the play in regular, slo-mo, and close-up slo-mo replays.

I think you will find the evidence clear and convincing.
I would like to thank SkateZilla, from Bills Zone for the freeze frames off his Hi-Def DVR and bd007h from YouTube: link to the video replay.

While I can understand how this goal was missed I find it unacceptable in a major professional league that things like this continue to happen. I also firmly believe that the NHL was fully aware of their mistake. I say this because in the 3rd period, two separate times, the video goal judge had Ray Emery remove the water bottles on top of the net. Oddly enough the placement of these water bottles coincides directly with where the puck appears to have struck the back crossbar on the net.

Memo to the NHL:

If you want to be a big-time sport the officiating must get better! Hiding this from the public does not help your cause.

Shame on you.

The Down Side of Video Replay

Sorry I have been away, I have had some computer trouble....

The most unfortunate thing about the video replay controversies in the Sabres - Islanders series is that they have taken away from the real story of a hard fought series. Instead of people talking about the drive and determination of Ryan Smyth and the clutch play of Chris Drury people keep talking about replay. It is a shame. For the record I think they got both calls right. From what I witnessed it is obvious that the Vanek goal was ,in fact, in the net across the goal line.

I also can empathize with the Islander's fans who feel robbed with last nights "no goal." Empathy aside, it appears to have been the right call. The logic referee Mike Leggo cited was that the puck was out of sight when Miller was pushed, therefore the fact the puck entered the net was not in dispute. The argument was whether or not his being pushed in caused it to enter the net. It is an opinion play. In Leggo' opinion the puck entered the net as a result of the push. As it wasn't visible there is no way to controvert his opinion. The fact that the puck entered is irrelevant because in Leggo's opinion the play ended when Miller was pushed into the net by Satan and Witt. Therefore the call was right in the eyes of the rulebook.

It is curious to me that the result of replay has led to far more disallowed goals than finding of "missed" goals. For a league that strives for offense it is an interesting conundrum. Getting it right often takes the excitement out of the game. I suppose in this day and age replay is necessary, but it is a shame that it ends up hurting the very game it was designed to help all too often.

Video Reviewed: Ray Emery

On the right hand navbar, you can see I've added a tidbit named "Video Reviewed:..."

This time, I figured I'd add Ray Emery, the Ottawa Senators goaltender and his impressive fight resume...

I'll feature once-in-a-while, an NHL or AHL player whose video record is worthy of myself sharing with you.

Enjoy the fights!

Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.