Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson was a bit preoccupied during a play in which Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry scored a goal in Tuesday’s game.
At the 4:50 mark of the second period, the Oilers were bringing the puck into the offensive zone when a tray of nachos was thrown onto the ice by a fan. Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl got the puck over to Perry, who ripped a one-timer past Thompson.
“That’s a first,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said after the game. “We just talked about that in the coaches’ office. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a nachos-on-the-ice National Hockey League game. Did they save them? Maybe we can bring them into the locker room.”
As soon was the goal was scored, Thompson could be seen visibly pointing to the tray of nachos in the offensive zone. In fact, Perry skated right near the tray during his one-timer goal.
The Oilers goal did cut the deficit to 3-2, but the Capitals ultimately came out on top. Still, Thompson took full responsibility for allowing the goal following the game.
“I’ve never seen that before,” Thompson said. “Obviously, I’ve got to play to the whistle. That one’s on me.”
According to Rule 63.5, when an object is thrown onto the ice and interferes with the game, “the referee shall blow the whistle and stop the play and the puck shall be faced-off at a face-off spot in the zone nearest to the spot where play is stopped.”
The nachos didn’t end up affecting the play as no skaters made contact with the rogue tray. Perry even admitted he didn’t even notice them on the ice.
“I saw the guy that threw them,” Thompson added. “Wasn’t too happy. But credit to him. He got them a goal.”
Ultimately, the goal didn’t end up costing the Capitals as they still came away with a 3-2 win. The Oilers, who were without star forward Connor McDavid while he serves a three-game suspension for cross-checking, were held scoreless over the final 15 minutes by Thompson.
Thompson stopped 30 of the 32 shots he faced against the Oilers. It also marked the fifth consecutive game Thompson allowed two or fewer goals.
During a recent game between the Washington Capitals and the Edmonton Oilers, Capitals’ goaltender Logan Thompson found himself in a frustrating situation when a fan threw nachos onto the ice, leading to a goal for the Oilers. The incident occurred in the third period of the game, with the Capitals trailing by one goal.
Thompson, who was focused on stopping the Oilers’ offensive attack, was caught off guard by the unexpected distraction of nachos being thrown onto the ice. The goaltender’s reaction was one of anger and frustration, as he felt that the fan’s actions had disrupted his concentration and ultimately led to a goal being scored against him.
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining respect for the players and the game itself. Fans have a responsibility to support their team in a positive and respectful manner, rather than resorting to disruptive and potentially dangerous behavior.
In response to the incident, the NHL issued a statement condemning the fan’s actions and emphasizing the need for all spectators to adhere to the league’s code of conduct. The Capitals also expressed their disappointment in the incident, stating that such behavior has no place in hockey or any other sport.
Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the impact that fan behavior can have on the game and the players involved. It is important for fans to remember that their actions can have real consequences and to always show respect for the athletes who are competing on the ice.
