Why fans threw trash on the ice during Devils-Maple Leafs game

David Suggs

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Why fans threw trash on the ice during Devils-Maple Leafs game image

Wednesday's Devils-Maple Leafs game was a case study in NHL fans' ability to handle frustrating call after frustrating call.

Despite being the home team, it seemed New Jersey couldn't get a call to save its life. Officials waved off not one, not two, but three goals, disallowed scores that proved paramount as the Devs fell 2-1 to Toronto.

The defeat snapped New Jersey's franchise record 13-game winning streak, tied for fifth-longest in NHL history.

The first two goals were ruled out after Devils skaters were adjudged to have interfered with Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray. They were waved off fairly quickly and drew the usual chorus of boos one would expect from the home faithful.

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The third goal was ruled out after officials determined that New Jersey forward Erik Haula kicked the puck into the net.

All hell broke loose as the call of that disallowed goal call rang through the arena. Fans grabbed everything — from plastic bottles and cardboard to beer cans — and let it rain on the Prudential Center ice surface. 

Talk about making your presence felt.

The Leafs opted to head to the locker room, hoping to avoid the debris that was coming down. They eventually returned to the ice and then held off a late New Jersey rally despite Dougie Hamilton's third-period goal.

"It's definitely frustrating, but nothing we can do because the refs make the call and there's nothing that's going to change it, so we've got to stick with it," said Devils captain Nico Hischier (via NHL.com). "I think we did a good job but came up short."

The Devils' social media team had fun with the team's misfortune, tweeting through the pain. 

If you don't laugh, you'll cry . . .

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.