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Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn. Kyle Williams Jersey .ca. Kerry, In the Pittsburgh/New York Islanders game last night, a goal was reviewed in the third period. The referee made no indication of a goal, he just blew the play dead. We assumed that it was no goal because he had intent to blow the whistle, but he didnt signal no goal either. He made no call, just blew the play dead, after the puck crossed the line. There was a gathering of officials, and the war room initiated a review, and called it a goal. The explanation was odd. It said the puck crossed the line legally, but it wasnt a reviewable play. But they did review it, and make a call where the referee didnt. I am confused. Can you clarify this? John Szpala John, You werent the only one that appeared to be confused on the play. The rookie referee that you referred to is gaining experience and learning his trade primarily in the AHL this season. He is also earning his stripes in every NHL game that he is assigned to work. While the AHL is a tremendous training ground for players and officials alike, things happen much more quickly at the NHL level. The speed and skill demonstrated in the best league in the world requires an adjustment and a quick learning curve to take place. Beyond just being a question and answer forum, I am aware that this Cmon Ref column is utilized from time to time as a teaching tool for fans, officials and even players. I sincerely hope our young referee friend learns from his experience in last nights game and in the constructive advice that I am about to offer beyond just answering your question, John. This was clearly a "good goal" that was correctly determined through a lengthy conference with all four officials on the ice. The other three officials on the crew assisted the young referee and provided their perspective when they saw that he was uncertain what had taken place. The expected protocol was handled perfectly in this situation both on the ice and by the Situation Room personnel, who initiated a call following the officials decision to confirm that the puck crossed the line in a legal manner. (No distinct kick, glove, etc. occurred during the crease crash of players from both teams.) The official response from the Situation Room posting reads: At 10:55 of the third period in the Penguins/Islanders game, the Toronto Situation Room initiated a video review because the puck crossed the Penguins goal line. The officials on the ice discussed the play and determined that the puck had crossed the Penguins goal line in a legal fashion. This is not a reviewable play. Good Goal New York Islanders. Now the lesson for the young man in stripes! On a red line dump-in by Matt Donovan of the Islanders, the puck travelled past our young referee as he backed into the zone and came to a resting spot against the end boards to the left of Pens goalie Jeff Zatkoff. Brooks Orpik was the first Penguin on the puck and as he attempted to make a play, a quick forecheck and active stick by John Taveres forced the puck in front of the net. Kyle Okposo quickly threw the puck at the Penguins net, catching Zatkoff by surprise. The puck rested between the goalies pads and unfrozen as players quickly attacked the goal crease. Pittsburgh defenceman Paul Martin attempted to protect the puck and freeze it under Zatkoffs pads but instead, his stick caused the puck to accelerate and cross the goal line. The puck was clearly in the net before Thomas Vanek crashed the net and pushed Zatkoffs pads into the net. As quickly as these series of events took place, our young ref delayed his movement toward the goal and remained stationary at the sidewall. As the action in the crease intensified, he began drifting slowly toward the goal and was forced to avoid players that stood in his path. By the time the referee arrived in a position behind the net, the puck was visible to him inside of the goal frame but he was uncertain how it had arrived there. His hands in the air were not to waive off a goal but only to signal play stopped. His body language signaled uncertainty and a cry for help. Fortunately, the cavalry arrived in the form of two linesmen that charged to the net to offer their assistance. His referee partner needed to be just as quick on the scene to lend assistance instead of waiting at the refs crease to hold a conference. This is what you need to do the next time a play like this happens, kid. When players attack the net or a goal-mouth scramble results, you should "sprint" toward the net like a starving dog chasing a soup bone to find that puck! I found the best attack angle is just ahead of the goal line so you end up looking into the net and not through the back of players. Whenever you position yourself in the end zone, have your legs in a flexed (knees bent) and ready position to move quickly. Do not stand "stiff-legged" because your reaction time is greatly inhibited. Face the puck squarely, adjust and angle your skates in the direction of the puck as it continually moves about the end zone. In doing so, you are set up to either attack or retreat from the puck location! Finally, dont beat yourself up over this. You are the nameless rookie referee in this column that worked the New York Islander-Pittsburgh Penguins game last night on Long Island. I know how exciting it must be for you to step on the ice with Crosby, Tavares and all those great players. Enjoy each moment of it with every opportunity you are given. See the play quickly and remain in the moment, even if you have to engage in a Gord Miller—"Doc" Emrick style play-by-play in your head as I did on many occasions, to sustain the quick visual pace required at the NHL level. Embrace each experience as part of your learning curve and file it in your memory banks so that everything you do correctly becomes part of your "muscle memory." Above all, have fun doing one of the greatest jobs in the world! Work hard every game to find a better way. Best of luck and have a great career, kid! Shaq Lawson Jersey . No, really, his head. Late in the game, the St. Louis goalie craned his neck into the air to block a shot, taking a puck square in the mask. Jordan Poyer Jersey . - Zac Leslie scored two goals and assisted on two more, and Justin Nichols made 34 saves as the Guelph Storm blanked the Kitchener Rangers 6-0 in Ontario Hockey League action on Sunday. http://www.thebillsgearshop.com/Bills-Lorenzo-Alexander-Draft-Jersey/ . The Canadians led for much of the game before Argentina forced overtime in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter. Canada weathered the storm after squandering a lead with a series of made shots. "Its a fantastic win for our country with 11 first-time Canadian national team members," said head coach Roy Rana.FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Roddy White isnt concerned that he might not be 100 per cent healthy for the remainder of the season. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver just wants to get back on the field and help the Atlanta Falcons end their terrible slump. "Weve got to try to string some wins back to back if were going to get ourselves back in this race," White said Friday. "So its going to be important for me to be out there." Nine months after their season ended 10 yards shy of the Super Bowl, the Falcons have been one of the leagues biggest disappointments. They have lost four of five and are tied for the NFCs fourth-worst record. A season-ending foot injury to Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones four weeks ago cost Atlanta one of the NFLs elite deep threats, and the passing attack has been further compromised by Whites right ankle and left hamstring injuries. White is eager to play Sunday when the Falcons (2-5) visit Carolina (4-3). The ninth-year veteran returned to practice Friday for the first time in over three weeks and is listed as questionable. "It went well," he said. "I ran some routes and did some things that are in the game plan. I felt real good out there." White played the first five games with a high ankle sprain, but had just 14 catches for 129 yards and no touchdowns -- far below the weekly statistics he accustomed to posting as the Falcons career-leading receiver. In helping Atlanta win the NFC South last year, White became just the fifth NFL player to have three consecutive seasons with at least 90 catches and 1,200 yards receiving. Coach Mike Smith says Whites status will be a game-time decision. White must successfully complete a hamstring test with trainers before team doctors will clear him to play. White, who missed the first game of his career two weeks ago in a home victory over Tampa Bay, has stood on the sideline the last two weeks and is eager to return to action. "That might be an understatement," Smith said. "Hes one of the most passionate, competitive guys that Ive been around. The sooner we get him back out, the better it is for everybody.&quoot; Three other starters -- left tackle Sam Baker (knee), safety William Moore (hip) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee) -- are also listed as questionable. Andre Reed Jersey. All three practiced Friday but, like White, were limited in their participation. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (thigh) has been ruled out for the second straight week. The Falcons passing attack ranks No. 4 in the NFL, but those numbers are somewhat misleading after Jones season ended when he was leading the league in yards receiving and ranked second in catches. Injuries to Jones and White have allowed opponents to double- and triple-team Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, the NFLs No. 2 career-leading receiver. Unfortunately for Atlanta, quarterback Matt Ryan, when hes not being sacked or hit, has been forced to direct an offence thats essentially one-dimensional. With Steven Jackson hampered by a hamstring injury and the lines poor blocking, the Falcons rank last in the league in the rushing, but because theyre often trailing, Ryan has had to throw the ball throughout the second half. If White can return effectively, the team is confident that Harry Douglas will continue to improve as the No. 2 receiver and that Gonzalez might get more separation in coverage, particularly if hes matched up one-on-one. "At the beginning of the season, you know youve got a really good team with everybody (healthy), but seeing how banged up we are right now, youve just got to find ways to win games," White said. "Its tough sledding, but its the NFL, though." Notes: Smith said that Jones, who is still recovering from surgery, has been at the Falcons complex the last three days, but added that the 24-year-old has his leg immobilized and must not put weight on it. ... Starting linebacker Akeem Dent (ankle), reserve defensive tackle Peria Jerry (toe) and starting right guard Garrett Reynolds (knee) participated fully in practice and are listed as probable. ... The Panthers have three starters listed as questionable -- running back DeAngelo Williams (quadriceps), defensive end Charles Johnson (groin) and linebacker Chase Blackburn (foot). 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