the first week of training camp in a contract dispute. Carroll said

Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn. Jose Berrios Twins Jersey .ca. Hi Kerry, Its taken me a while to get up the guts to write you - when you were reffing, I didnt have very kind things to say about you. After religiously reading your column I have to admit I was quite wrong. Your knowledge of the game and the concise way you explain issues shows me you really knew what you were doing out there, officiating the most difficult game in the world to officiate. My question - the world has seen the goal scored by Phoenixs Mike Smith, where the puck went over his head, lodged on his jersey/in his pants, and then he backed into the net. Im curious as to why the whistle was not immediately blown when this happened. While from some angles, the puck IS visible, I would have to argue that it wasnt really playable - without potential injury to the goaltender. A Buffalo forwards stick to his back while dangerous, would also have resulted in immediate retribuition from his teammates. Ive seen similar issues where a puck inadvertently goes in a skaters jersey or glove, and play stopped immediately. While Im definitely not a Mike Smith fan, I think Phoenix got jobbed on that call. Whats your view? Thanks - and keep up the good work. And my apologies for all the bad comments while you were working the game! Mark McBrideSpringfield, IL Mark: Thank you for the "courage" it might have taken you to send me this terrific question. The respect that you extended to me is the best New Years gift I could have ever hoped for. Wayne Gretzky wrote in the foreword of my book, The Final Call, "As any player does, I had a few run-ins with Kerry over those years. In fact, it was probably more than a few. I dont think he was always right, but I know I wasnt either. Players and refs often dont see things the same way in the middle of a game. But one thing Kerry always had from every player was respect." Respect from the hockey community (players, management and fans) is the most that any Ref can hope to achieve. I thank you Mark for your offering here. The truth is I have a real problem with allowing a goal on this play once the puck became lodged and concealed in the sweater and pants of Phoenix goalkeeper Mike Smith well outside of his goal crease. Let me explain why.If we go strictly by the book, rule 85 provides some clear direction as to the Referees actions when a puck becomes unplayable or out of sight: 85.2 Puck Unplayable - When the puck becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of either goal so as to make it unplayable, or if it is "frozen" between opposing players intentionally or otherwise, the Referee shall stop the play. 85.3 Puck Out of Sight - Should a scramble take place or a player accidentally fall on the puck and the puck be out of sight of the Referee, he shall immediately blow his whistle and stop the play. I can support a goal being counted when a potential save is made within the goal crease and the goalkeeper doesnt completely control or freeze the puck prior to it crossing the goal line. Likewise, a goal should count if the uncontrolled momentum of the goalkeeper quickly carries the puck across the goal line in the act of making a save similar to when this same goalkeeper (Mike Smith) slid the puck into the net under his goal pad on a shootout goal awarded to James van Riemsdyk. This play was completely different. Phoenix goalkeeper Mike Smith was well outside of his crease when a high "jump puck" took place between Smith and teammate Martin Hanzal that resulted from an over the head rebound. Both Smith and Hanzel had their sticks raised above their heads as Hanzel batted at the airborne puck with his glove. The actions of these two players, along with their location on the ice and that of the puck, have significant bearing on what the Referee should have been focused on; namely the puck! There was potential for the puck being struck with a high-stick or possibly batted into the net by either defensive player; both of which would require a decision by the Referee. From the Refs position deep in the corner below the goal line, with his back against the wall, on the opposite side of the ice to where this series of events took place, the referee did not react to the puck dropping into the sweater and pants of Mike Smith. Worse yet there was slow, gliding movement by the referee toward the scramble in the goal crease as Smith attempted in vain to locate the puck; which the goalkeeper ultimately carried across the goal line concealed in his equipment and partially visible to the overhead camera through replay. The referee was unable to render a decision from his position as was evidenced by his lack of decisiveness and uncertainty once play finally stopped. A conference was immediately convened by the officiating crew prior to the implementation of video review. This might have been a perfect time to institute rule 31.2, intent to blow the whistle! All video review could share was that the puck was visible across the line. Now let me tell you what should have occurred on this play. The referee should have anticipated the shot and rebound that took place on the opposite side of the net to where he was standing and quickly moved along the goal line half way between the net and the side boards. From this location he would be in position to have seen the puck drop into Mike Smiths equipment and become "unplayable." An immediate whistle would have blown in advance of the goalkeepers return to his crease and well in advance of the puck entering the net in Smiths back pocket! All of us at TSN offer you and your family the very best wishes for a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. No CMon Ref question tomorrow as we all enjoy the Winter Classic from the Big House! Tom Kelly Twins Jersey . With the team he supported as a child on the verge of reaching the Champions League semifinals for the first time in 19 years, Ba instead scored the goal that knocked them out. Brusdar Graterol Twins Jersey . -- Canadian ski cross star Marielle Thompson accomplished two goals in one race Saturday. https://www.cheaptwins.com/1092t-tony-oliva-jersey-twins.html . Yup, he definitely needed this one. Craig homered twice and had three RBIs Wednesday night to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 7-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Craig went 4 for 5 and Yadier Molina added three hits for the Cardinals, who salvaged the final game of a three-game set in hopes of staying within shouting distance of front-running Milwaukee in the NL Central.RENTON, Wash. -- Running back Marshawn Lynch returned to practice for the first time since reporting to training camp late last week, but who will block for him at right tackle this season remains in question. The Seahawks released Michael Bowie on Saturday after it was determined his injured shoulder would require surgery. Bowie, who started eight games as a rookie for the Seahawks, was the favourite to win the teams starting right tackle job entering training camp. However, he reported to camp 20 pounds overweight, according to head coach Pete Carroll, and he injured his shoulder again on the first day of practice. With Bowie gone, the battle for the starting job shifts firmly to second-round pick Justin Britt and veteran Eric Winston. Britt has taken nearly every first-team snap at right tackle since Bowies injury. Winston has started 119 consecutive games over the last seven seasons for the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals. "Its a big competition going on. There has been since the start of camp," Carroll said. "Its unfortunate that we dont get to keep Michael (Bowie) but we have to keep moving and keep going here. This is a very competitive situation with Britt and with Winston in there and I think Alvin Bailey will be mixed into this thing too, eventually. Its a really good spot for us in that we do have depth and we do have competition." Left tackle Russell Okung took part in individual drills for the first time after off-season foot surgery. Alvin Bailey has been taking the first-team snaps at left tackle in Okungss absence, but could enter the battle at right tackle once Okung is back to full speed. Willians Astudillo Twins Jersey. . "Alvin has got the flexibility to play a couple different spots. Hes played guard a little bit, too, so hes a valuable guy in that regard," Carroll said. Seattle also added two new linemen on Monday, claiming tackle Cory Brandon off waivers from Arizona and signing veteran guard Wade Smith. "Were hoping (they) can bring us something," Carroll said. "We want to continue to work to make this position as competitive as possible." Lynch was very limited as he took just a handful of snaps during Mondays practice. He did not take part in any off-season practices and missed the first week of training camp in a contract dispute. Carroll said Lynch kept in shape on his own but needs some time still to work into football shape. "Were going to take our time and make sure that we do that. Weve always been very patient with him, making sure his body is in great shape and all. Were just going to bring him along," Carroll said. Notes: Seattle waived LB Brandon Denmark and WR Ronald Johnson, signed DT Andru Pulu and OL Wade Smith, and claimed OT Cory Brandon off waivers from Arizona. ... OT Russell Okung (foot) and S Kam Chancellor (hip) worked through individual drills for the first time since having off-season surgeries. ... G James Carpenter (calf) could return to practice Tuesday. ... S Dion Bailey was on crutches after suffering a sprained ankle on Saturday. ... WR Phil Bates left practice due to illness. ' ' '