This thread about when the whistle blows on a delayed penalty with
reference to the penalized team gaining "control" of the puck, brings to
mind the old refrain about rarely seeing a 'true' double play made in
baseball on a second base putout as the base umpires continue to give the
fielder the benefit of a 'close enough' call when the ball is on its way
out of the fielder's hand before the touch of the base actually occurs.
 
        Same thing in hockey -- the mere touch of stick on puck by the penalized
team invariably results in a whistle.  I can't remember the last time I saw
an official wait until "control" of the puck had truly been assured before
play was stopped and the ensuing power play awarded.  "Control"?  Not
nearly what was intended by a reasonable interpretation of the rulebook;
but from an official's point of view, 'close enough'.
 
 
Bill Corrigan
 
LET'S GO BRUNO!
 
 
              1997-98
BROWN HOCKEY CENTENNIAL
 
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