Dec 13, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Montréal Canadiens center Jake Evans (71) controls the puck in the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

There is a situation that is generating a lot of discussion today on social media, the day after the game against the New York Rangers.

Let’s talk about that penalty that was assessed to Evans.

The officials should never have called this penalty on the Montreal Canadiens and on Jake Evans, according to many, including Matt Drake

How can this be tolerated by the officials:

“Three whacks from Trocheck on Hutson. Does he need to embellish to get a call?” – Matt Drake

While Jake Evans’ play was not tolerated?

“Trocheck in the first period, but oh no, in OT we call Evans for 1/3 of that.” – Matt Drake

I don’t understand how the officials could have judged that Evans’ action deserved a penalty, especially considering what was tolerated with Vincent Trocheck. It is absolutely impossible to understand.

“Trying to find the penalty here..”

– David Calabretta, The Fourth Period

Especially since the officials knew very well that by calling a penalty on Jake Evans in overtime, the 4-on-3 had a very strong chance of completely changing the course of the game.

And that is exactly what happened. It gave the Rangers the win.

In any case, the only thing Martin St-Louis’ men can do is bounce back tonight, at home, against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics

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Officials’ questionable call leads to Rangers’ game-winning goal vs Canadiens

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