Golden Knights GM says league apologized for Game 7 penalty call

By now you know all about the controversial penalty call in Game 7 of the Vegas-San Jose series.

On Thursday, Vegas GM George McPhee said the league admitted an error was made on the call.

“The league did reach out and apologize,” McPhee said, via the Las Vegas Journal-Review. “They made a mistake and I’m sure (the officials) feel bad about it. They want to get things right like we all do when we’re doing our jobs.”

Cody Eakin was given a major penalty for cross-checking Joe Pavelski, who fell to the ice bleeding and needed to be helped off. However, Eakin never hit Pavelski in the face and the injury appears to be more a result of hitting the ice than anything Eakin did. The Sharks went on to score four power-play goals to take the lead, and ultimately won in overtime.

Neither of the two referees in the game, Eric Furlatt or Dan O’Halloran, are scheduled to work in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Although McPhee appreciated the NHL’s note, he told ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski it wasn’t something the organization would dwell on.

“But with respect to this organization, there will be no pity parties. We’re not feeling sorry for ourselves. Stuff happens in games. We’re going to take the rearview mirror out and move forward and put a real good team on the ice next year. We’re not going to carry around a big suitcase full of yesterdays. That’s not going to happen.”

After the game, head coach Gerard Gallant voiced his frustration, but the sharpest words came from Jonathan Marchessault, who called the error an embarrassment for the NHL.

Pavelski didn’t return to the game and though some players on the team initially downplayed the severity of his injury, it doesn’t appear Pavelski will be in the lineup for Game 1 against Colorado Friday night.

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