IT IS DONE: On This Day In Blues History: Noel Acciari is tripped, St. Louis scores in ……… view more

On This Day in Blues History: The Controversial Goal That Sparked Outrage

On June 6, 2019, Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins became one of the most talked-about matches in recent NHL history due to a controversial non-call that led to a pivotal goal.

The Incident

Midway through the third period, with the Blues leading 1–0, a play unfolded that would ignite fury among Bruins fans and players alike. Blues forward Tyler Bozak appeared to trip Bruins forward Noel Acciari from behind in the Bruins’ zone. Acciari fell to the ice, but the referees did not call a penalty. While Acciari was still down, the Blues capitalized on the situation. David Perron received a pass from Ryan O’Reilly and scored, extending the Blues’ lead to 2–0. This goal proved to be the game-winner, as the Bruins managed only one goal in response, resulting in a 2–1 victory for St. Louis.

Fallout and Reactions

The missed call sent shockwaves through the hockey community. Bruins president Cam Neely expressed his displeasure by throwing a water bottle in the locker room. Head coach Bruce Cassidy criticized the officiating, stating, “Our guy’s gone, our spotter took [Acciari] out of the game for a possible concussion. I mean it’s blatant. Big effect in the game.”

The NHL’s director of officiating addressed the situation by stating that the official on the play did not view it as a penalty at the time, and therefore, no call was made.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, the Blues held on to win the game and eventually secured their first Stanley Cup title by defeating the Bruins in seven games. The incident remains a significant moment in NHL history, often cited in discussions about officiating and its impact on game outcomes.

As we reflect on this day, it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the fine line between victory and controversy.