The Bruins fell to the Arizona Coyotes, 4-3, on Friday night at Mullett Arena. Lawson Crouse scored the game-winning goal with just 14 seconds remaining on a disputed play that the Black & Gold believed should have been called for icing.
As the puck crept toward the Bruins' net, it clattered off the edge of the cage, prompting the linesman to waive off an icing penalty.
Matias Maccelli of Arizona followed down the loose puck and found Crouse to the right of Jeremy Swayman, where the Coyotes winger scored the game-winning goal with a one-timer.
"We believed it should have been frosting. It should be irrelevant. Only whether our defenseman could touch the puck before it crosses the goal line should matter "When questioned if the icing was disallowed because the puck entered the blue line, coach Jim Montgomery responded that the icing was not called.
Foligno, whose power-play goal with 5:29 remaining tied the game at 3, expressed surprise that icing was not called on the play.
"I couldn't believe it," stated Foligno. "I was virtually rendered speechless. Not to disparage those [officials], but that is a shocking call considering that this is an icing 100 times out of 100. Honestly, I don't know the difference...a it's frustrating way to end a fantastic hockey game, with that call at the end."
Patrice Bergeron noted that despite his dissatisfaction with the call, the Bruins, who fell to 21-4-1 on the season, had to stick with the play regardless of the officials' decision.
"It happens quickly. I believe there is a discussion regarding icing there "said Bergeron. "The linesman is then required to make a judgement based on a fraction of a second. We must continue playing, bar none. You cannot simply point fingers and place the blame on choices. That is the last thing you wish to accomplish. I believe we must accept responsibility and perform better in our next game."
Overall, it was a frustrating evening for the Bruins, who finished with a 46-16 shooting lead and felt they dominated the action for the majority of the game. However, they were unable to solve Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka, who made 43 saves on 46 shots.
Foligno stated, "We found a means to battle in the game." "When we're playing this well, I believe we always feel certain that wonderful things are going to come for our team. It is somewhat unexpected that it did not occur. It was primarily circumstantial. Tonight, I will not look down on our squad.
"There are areas in which we can improve. When you pepper the goaltender like we did, there are always small things you can take away from a loss. We dominated the opposition. It is regrettable that we did not emerge victorious."
David Pastrnak scored on the power play 4:29 after going behind 1-0 just 23 seconds into the game, before Charlie Coyle gave the Bruins a 2-1 lead 7:48 into the second period. Crouse then scored his first of two goals 2:52 later, tying the game once more and setting up Nick Schmaltz's goal 53 seconds into the third period, which gave the Coyotes a 3-2 lead.
"Clearly not the beginning you desired," Bergeron stated. "I think we made a number of terrific plays and had a number of great opportunities. In the end, I believe we awarded them several A's on defence. They'll make you pay because they're a good team.
"It was a distinct game, with a different pace. It was intermittent at best. The simple conclusion is that we must improve overall, find methods to deny Grade A opportunities, and find ways to find the back of the net."