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Video: Flyers Get Screwed by Avery Rule
By Kyle Scott
Published:
What a joke. Mike Richards won today's game in overtime… that is, before his goal was disallowed and a penalty was called on Chris Pronger for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Flames went on to win in a shootout, 3-2.
Pronger waved his hand in front of Miikka Kiprusoff ever so slightly, causing Richards' goal to be waved off. You can thank the "Sean Avery Rule" for this one.
Back in 2008, the NHL clarified its unsportsmanlike conduct rule to address Avery's actions (shown below).
The rule: [FOX Sports]
"National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell today issued the following advisory on the interpretation of Rule 75 – Unsportsmanlike Conduct: "An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."
The refs refused to comment on the call after the game.
Does what Pronger did look anything like Avery's actions?
Just a horrible interpretation of the rule. Both videos after the jump.
H/T to Kelly Martin for the Flyers vid.
"This is a horrendous call" -Keith Jones
Kyle Scott is the founder and editor of CrossingBroad.com. He has written for CBS Philly and Philly Voice, and been a panelist or contributor on NBC Sports Philly, FOX 29 and SNY TV, as well as a recurring guest on 97.5 The Fanatic, 94 WIP, 106.7 The Fan and other stations. He has more than 10 years experience running digital media properties and in online advertising and marketing.