Sharks furious after faceoff violation cost them game: It's a 'travesty'

The San Jose Sharks were seething after a controversial faceoff violation call on Patrick Marleau directly led to the St. Louis Blues' game-winning goal Saturday night.

Here's the play. Marleau was handed a two-minute minor with the score 2-2 early in the third period.

The turning point in tonight's game... What are your thoughts on the penalty given to Marleau? pic.twitter.com/uGvZlptjfv

- Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) March 21, 2021

The Blues buried their goal 12 seconds into the ensuing man advantage and didn't relinquish the lead.

"There's really no explanation for it there," head coach Bob Boughner said, according to Alex Espinoza of NBCSN. "Just a horrible call. I guess he spun too early or something? I don't know. I've watched it three times. It's completely fine. It's Patty Marleau by the way. The guy's going to set Gordie Howe's (games played) record and you threw him in the box and it affected the whole game. Just use your head.

"It's frustrating for me and I don't want to say the wrong thing. But what went on there was a travesty."

Sharks netminder Devan Dubnyk didn't hold back either.

"It's embarrassing," he said. "It's Mickey Mouse. I don't care if you want to say 'follow the rule book.' It's completely ridiculous to make a call like that in a 2-2 hockey game in the third period in the middle of the season. I don't know what to say. It's incredible."

The Blues added two more goals in the third period to claim a 5-2 victory. San Jose sits 11 points back of St. Louis for the final playoff spot in the West Division after the loss.

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