Why Senators, fans shouldn't be upset about 'Toronto' mention

A classic case of miscommunication left the Ottawa Senators and some of their fans confused, and a little slighted, after the referee stated a coach's challenge was "initiated by Toronto" during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

NHL ref Marc Joannette announces 'coach's challenge initiated by Toronto' after game-tying goal

Jamie Long · CBC News · Posted: Mar 09, 2016 7:55 AM ET | Last Updated: March 10, 2016

Carolina Hurricanes' Jay McClement speeds away during the second period, and he later scored on this rush to tie the game, 2-2, on Tuesday night. (Ben McKeown/The Associated Press)

The Ottawa Senators suffered a heart-breaking loss after they were less than a second away from victory, but the actions that followed might have added temporary insult to injury.

Senators inch closer to playoff berth despite SO loss

The Senators were leading the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night in the final seconds — 3-2 — when Jeff Skinner scored for Carolina with only 0.2 seconds left in regulation.

<a href="https://twitter.com/jokersprofile">@jokersprofile</a> Tonight's buzzer beating goal from Jeff Skinner that forced OT <a href="https://t.co/Dxta5uGJAm">pic.twitter.com/Dxta5uGJAm</a>
—@ClydeEDawkins

There was a moment of hope after the goal was reviewed for possible goaltender interference.

Then this happened when veteran referee Marc Joannette announced the result of the review.

Here's a question, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash">#Sens</a> fans: Did referee Marc Joanette troll you by mentioning Toronto in last night's game?<a href="https://t.co/jW3zCknZKm">https://t.co/jW3zCknZKm</a>
—@CBCOttawa

Let the confusion and anger swirl.

It count and DON'T CALL US TORONTO REF.
—@Senators

Fans reacted swiftly.

<a href="https://twitter.com/Senators">@Senators</a> oh my... <a href="https://t.co/5bmWXJtLNi">pic.twitter.com/5bmWXJtLNi</a>
—@DaisyCunard

<a href="https://twitter.com/Senators">@Senators</a> <a href="https://t.co/nEfbikZQYc">pic.twitter.com/nEfbikZQYc</a>
—@raeann_nafziger

Some tried to explain the mention of Toronto.

<a href="https://twitter.com/Senators">@Senators</a> I'm a Leaf fan and even I like nope not seeing blue and white, It has to be Phaneuf that confused them
—@322Colleen

<a href="https://twitter.com/Senators">@Senators</a> it was initiated by the war room in Toronto... Ref didn't call the Sens Toronto.
—@CapitalCoachOtt

There's a perfectly good explanation for this.

The referee stated the review was the result of a "coach's challenge."

It seems the review was initiated by the National Hockey League war room in Toronto, not Senators head coach Dave Cameron.

That is why Joannette said "initiated by Toronto." Stand down, Ottawa; you were not trolled.

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