Red Wings coach Todd McLellan spoke after last night's controversial ending in which Columbus scored despite their player not getting called for a blatant penalty.
Justin Danforth blatantly high sticked defenseman Simon Edvinsson in clear sight of the on-ice referee, who elected not to call a penalty. After the goal was scored and protests from the Red Wings, the officials all huddled together - and still didn't call a penalty.
We have witnessed several NHL coaches throughout the past 2 years receive fines for commenting on the leagues' officials, and it's a hefty amount of $50,000.
It spoiled what was a thrilling comeback effort by the Red Wings, who trailed 3-1 in the 3rd period but battled back thanks to goals from Patrick Kane and another from Alex DeBrincat, who already had scored earlier in the game.
Afterward, head coach Todd McLellan addressed the controversy by instead saying they never should have been in that situation.
We should never be in that situation, not with the two D-men back there.
Absolutely. We followed our game plan, to shoot a lot of pucks (the Wings outshot Columbus 46-21) and get a lot on the net. Anything can happen in this type of environment and it comes down to one play here or there.
Sometimes you have to make winning plays at the right time. Game management the last couple of games, maybe wasn't our best but tonight we played well, probably deserved better.