Controversy erupted in the hockey world last night as the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals battled to a dramatic finish, only for the spotlight to shift from the ice to the officials. In a tense closing sequence, Canadiens forward Cole Caufield was on the receiving end of a blatant cross-check that inexplicably went unpunished by the referees. As fans and analysts watched in disbelief, the missed call became the talk of the NHL, overshadowing the Capitals’ eventual victory.

The stakes were high, and the Canadiens, desperate to tie the game, were denied a crucial opportunity when the officials failed to send the Capitals to the penalty box. Instead of a potential 6-on-4 advantage and a chance to force overtime, Montreal watched their hopes slip away as Washington capitalized on the chaos, netting an insurance goal and sealing the win.

The incident has sparked outrage across the league, with experts and fans alike questioning the standard of officiating during the most critical moments of the playoffs. As emotions run high, the Canadiens must now channel their frustration into determination, knowing that every decision—fair or not—can alter the course of their postseason dreams.

Capitals and Canadiens players

Photo credit: Screenshot

Last night, we witnessed a highly controversial sequence at the end of the game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.

As the Canadiens were buzzing around Logan Thompson’s net late in the game, forward Cole Caufield fell victim to this:

For reasons still unclear, absolutely no penalty was called on the play.

We can all agree that this could have changed everything, as the Canadiens could have gone on a 6-on-4 power play to close out the game.

The Habs would have had a real shot at sending the game to overtime.

A Missed Call Stirring Controversy in the NHL and Montreal

This morning, the sequence involving Cole Caufield is making waves across the hockey world. How could the referees miss that?

Cole Caufield was frustrated, and rightfully so..

No, this controversy is far from over.

“Okay.

Not punishing Dowd’s cross-check on Caufield is disgraceful.

What a dangerous move!

So, everything’s allowed in the 2025 playoffs now?

Message received.”

– Anthony Martineau, TVA Sports

Indeed.

Cole Caufield Was Frustrated After the Loss to the Washington Capitals

Let’s hope that frustration fuels the Canadiens at the Bell Centre tomorrow night and helps them cut into the series lead.

Another uncalled cross-check to the face.. It’s unbelievable!

We could list dozens and dozens of expert reactions from all corners of the NHL who can’t believe the officials missed it, but you get the idea.

It’s a shame, because it could have completely changed the outcome of the game.

Instead of seeing the Canadiens on a 6-on-4 power play, we saw the Washington Capitals score their insurance goal into an empty net, sealing their victory.