Two Controversial Calls Haunt the Islanders; Locker Room Reacts

ELMONT, N.Y. — The New York Islanders (25-24-7) dropped a third straight game on Sunday night. The game didn’t come without its fair share of drama, though.

Two controversial calls ultimately decided the game against the Dallas Stars for the Islanders.

Cizikas’s Major:

First, with 6:34 left in the second period, Casey Cizikas leveled Lian Bichsel with a hard check that knocked the defender out of the game. After the hit, Matthew Dumba challenged Cizikas to fight, which Cizikas did and won that scrap.

The referees then announced the play had been called a match penalty for an illegal check to the head.

Here’s the clip: https://x.com/RTaub_/status/1893844059136930102

Well, it sure is tough, isn’t it? Live, I didn’t think too much of it. Upon watching multiple replays, I don’t think it is a major. Bichsel hunched over to play the puck, and Cizikas didn’t aim for the head. However, Cizikas’ shoulder did clip his head as the initial point of contact.

It’s super close, but I believe that’s why the call stood. It’s a far cry from the headhunting we see from guys like Matt Rempe once a month, but it was enough for the officials tonight in Elmont.

Islanders Reactions:

Former Islander Cal Clutterbuck reacted on MSGSN: https://x.com/RTaub_/status/1893866158522069497

Ultimately, after the officials sorted everything out, the Stars received a minor. They ejected Cizikas, who slammed his stick on his way off the ice. That meant two minutes of 4v4 before a three-minute power play.

The Islanders’ penalty kill fell into its ugly and old habit on that power play. It capitulated to Jason Robertson, who scored twice in 95 seconds to finish off a hat trick and give Dallas an insurmountable 4-2 lead.

Islanders’ Head Coach Patrick Roy disagreed with the call, specifically saying he thought Cizikas hit Bichsel’s chest more prominently than the head.

Anthony Duclair did not agree, either. Speaking for the team, Duclair said, “We didn’t think it was high at all. We thought it was a clean hit.”

As for the power play itself, Ilya Sorokin praised the Stars, saying ”

Pageau’s Disallowed Equalizer:

With 4:52 left in the third period, Jean-Gabriel Pageau slapped a one-timer from the slot past Jake Oettinger and into the back of the net. However, the officials immediately waived the goal off due to goaltender interference on Pierre Engvall.

Here’s one look at the play: https://x.com/RTaub_/status/1893859377964077289

Looking at the replay, this one seemed fairly cut and dry. Engvall entered the crease, pushing against Dumba and into Oettinger, who never had a chance of making the save. Roy took his timeout to decide whether he wanted to challenge but ultimately opted against it.

Roy specifically said he’d loved to have challenged the call but knew he’d lose.

As for Engvall, he felt it was more 50-50.

“I’m just trying to get to the net. It’s a battle. I think he pushes me in a little bit, too. Obviously, it’s the ref that makes the call, but I think it’s 50-50.”

Then, asked if he agreed with not challenging if it’s 50-50, he said yes. He trusted Roy and the video coaches to have the best view.

As for his teammates? Duclair put it succinctly and the best: “Well, he was in the crease there. So, it was a pretty easy call.”