"It's ridiculous": Blue Jackets HC Dean Evason vents frustration at referees for controversial no-penalty call before Canadiens' OT winner

The Columbus Blue Jackets lost 4-3 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday. Coach Dean Evason criticized the referees for missing a penalty before Nick Suzuki’s game-winning goal.

In overtime, Suzuki visibly grabbed Kent Johnson’s hip and pulled him down, but mp penalty was called on the play, and Suzuki scored moments later on a three-on-two rush. Referees Michael Sullivan and Brian Pochmara didn't explain the no-call, as officials aren't required to speak postgame.

The Athletic's Aaron Portzline shared Evason's remarks on the no-call on Nick Suzuki:

"You mean at the end when they didn't call the penalty, when the guy (Suzuki) grabbed (Johnson's) hip and pulled him back and then that guy went down and scored?

"It's ridiculous! You know what? It's a human game, and I'd hope that we'd have a couple of the refs (available) - or at least one of them - to ask them what they see?"

The Blue Jackts and Canadians looked like equals. The Canadians had a slight edge with 52.5% compared to Columbus controlling 47.5%. Even they had similar numbers in shots on goal, penalty minutes and hits. But the overtime play led to Montreal edging the Blue Jackets.

Evason explained the play and how it took place as it happened near the Blue Jackets bench.

"We have a two-on-one (with Johnson and Sean Monahan). KJ is fresh. He's fresh on the ice. He's got a step on Suzuki." Evason explained. "He's going and he's fast, and the guy reaches in, grabs him, pulls his hip, spins him, (Johnson) falls down, (the Canadiens) get the puck, they get a three-on-two (the other way) … it's crazy.

"That can't be not a penalty. It makes no sense. I don't care if it's the first (period) or overtime, you cannot reach your hand in and grab a guy. Even if they're even, but (KJ) is ahead of him."

The defeat ended Columbus’ three-game winning streak.

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Nick Suzuki's overtime goal led to the Blue Jackets loss

Mathieu Olivier scored first for Columbus with a tap-in from Werenski’s pass before Slafkovsky tied it 1-1 with a wrist shot.

Chinakhov made it 2-1 early in the second, but Caufield made it 2-2 on a power-play breakaway. Heineman’s backhand put Montreal ahead 3-2 in the third, but Werenski tied it at 3-3 before Suzuki scored the OT winner from his own rebound.

The Blue Jackets are 9-9-3 and are sixth in the Metropolitan Division with 21 points, while the Carolina Hurricanes lead the Division with 33 points.