Seth Jones: Officiating in Game 1 was 'kind of suspect'

As if coming out on the losing end of the fourth-longest contest in NHL history wasn't harsh enough, the Columbus Blue Jackets were left extra sour after a controversial missed call potentially cost them the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday in the fifth overtime frame.

Prior to Brayden Point's heroics in Game 1, Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson appeared to be hauled down on a breakaway chance; there was no call on the play that ultimately could have been a penalty shot.

Very cool no call on this breakaway, NHL. Very cool. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/cGVGqDHa3O

- 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) August 12, 2020

Atkinson's opportunity came while Columbus was killing a delay of game penalty.

When asked about it after the game, Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones said the officiating for the entire game was subpar.

"I'd like them (refs) to come up here and give an explanation," he said, per TSN's Mark Masters. "I get a call, pretty much the same thing ... the officiating to me was, I don't know, kind of suspect all night. So, we just want a clear explanation and never got one."

Head coach John Tortorella wasn't interested in discussing it.

"Don't ask me about the non-call," he said to start his press conference, per Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press.

The Blue Jackets had five power-play opportunities in Game 1, while the Lightning had four.

Jones, 25, set a new NHL record for most minutes played in a game, logging 65:06 of ice time in the marathon contest.

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET.

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