The Leafs (visiting team) are
playing the Canucks (home team) to see who will advance to the playoff
round. The Leafs must win to qualify for the playoffs. A win would put
them one point ahead of the Canucks. A tie is all that the Canucks need.
The game has been an exciting one and now, with the Leafs are leading the
Canucks 2-1 with 29.6 seconds left in the third period. The face-off is deep in the Leafs end zone and the Canucks
have pulled their goalie to gain an extra attacker in the Leafs end zone.
The face-off is ready to take place and the linesman drops the puck.
The play is intense as the puck is around the front of the Leaf’s
net.
With 0.8 seconds left on the clock
the Canucks score a goal and the crowd goes crazy.
One of the Leaf’s players comes up to you (referee) and says that
the clock did not start in time at the last face-off. Just then the back
linesman comes up to you and takes you aside. He informs you that he
watched the clock and is certain that the clock did not start for a good
five seconds. It is always the back linesman's job to watch the clock to
see that it starts on time and then bring it to the attention of the
referee at the next opportunity. You call the other linesman over and he
tells you that he didn't notice anything because he was dropping the puck
during the face off. You then go over to the timekeeper's box and ask him
about not starting the clock on time. He tells you that it is true. He
didn't start the clock for a few seconds. He agrees it could have been as
long as five seconds.
By this time the Leaf's coach is trying to get your attention. The Leaf's
captain is waiting a few steps away from you. The Canucks are rejoicing at
tying the game and getting into the playoffs for the first time in three
years.
You make the call...
