twabby
Registered User
- Mar 9, 2010
- 13,763
- 14,702
So upon further inspection of the rulebook I think it should have been whistled as offside. The rulebook states:
http://1.cdn.nhle.com/downloads/2016-17_RuleBook.pdf
I think the bolded should have been the reason why it was whistled down because while the Wild may not have touched the puck in an offside position, the player probably had possession or at the very least attempted to gain possession of a loose puck before the other player cleared the zone. I can't see an interpretation where he gave up possession without attempting to gain it (i.e. a 3 foot dump in).
If, during the course of the delayed off-side, any member of the attacking team touches the puck, attempts to gain possession of a loose puck, forces the defending puck carrier further back into his own zone, or who is about to make physical contact with the defending puck carrier, the Linesman shall stop play for the off-side violation
http://1.cdn.nhle.com/downloads/2016-17_RuleBook.pdf
I think the bolded should have been the reason why it was whistled down because while the Wild may not have touched the puck in an offside position, the player probably had possession or at the very least attempted to gain possession of a loose puck before the other player cleared the zone. I can't see an interpretation where he gave up possession without attempting to gain it (i.e. a 3 foot dump in).