Matthews Questions Delay-of-Game Call in Leafs' Loss to Flames

Auston Matthews disputed a delay-of-game penalty after the Toronto Maple Leafs lost 5-2 to the Calgary Flames on Monday. The call came with Toronto trailing 3-2 and erased a power-play opportunity.

The penalty came midway through the third period, just as a Toronto power play had begun, according to Sportsnet.

Sportsnet reported that officials judged Matthews to have played the puck with his glove following the draw. Matthews said he fell during the play and had not received an explanation when the penalty was called.

"I think you've got to be sure 100 per cent," Matthews told reporters, according to Sportsnet. He acknowledged that referees can make mistakes but questioned the certainty of this decision.

Toronto coach Jim Hiller said the referee told him the puck had struck Matthews' glove. Hiller accepted that the official had a better view of the play, according to his postgame comments published by Maple Leafs Hotstove.

Calgary later scored twice into an empty net to finish the game.