Drama, Justice and the Disputed Goal

Goal? Or no goal?

A huge call went against the Sabres on Tuesday. The Rangers had a big goal called back a couple of days before. The Senators got away with one on Monday.

With a season potentially in the balance on every scoring play, the playoff spotlight shines hot upon the referees and the men of the replay booth. Over at NHL Fanhouse, Eric McErlain campaigns for better technology.

If tennis can come up with a device to determine whether or not a serve is in or out, it stands to reason that the NHL ought to be able to do the same. And in fact, a U.S. patent already exists for such a device. Say hello to U.S. Patent #5748073, the Electronic Goal Detector.

Yes, the NHL should go to all reasonable lengths to make accurate goal-line calls. If the EGD can help, bring it on. But the quest for foolproof technology is futile.

The disputed goal will always be with us. Despite the efforts of great minds and brilliant inventions, justice remains an elusive quality in hockey, as it does in most sports. But that's okay. Sport isn't about justice. It's about drama.