The Most Controversial Moments in NHL History | NHL News

The NHL’s storied history includes breathtaking goals and fierce rivalries, but also unforgettable controversies. Throughout NHL history, several disputed game decisions and shocking scandals negatively affected the league forever most notably through championship-deciding disputes and scandalous scandals. The list below contains the infamous events that brought permanent changes and public outrage and started extensive debates about hockey forever.

1. The 1999 “No Goal” Heard ‘Round the World

The NHL made an incorrect decision by allowing Brett Hull to score the Cup-winning goal in 1999 since his foot illegally entered the goal crease. Fans of the Buffalo Sabres continue to express their anger toward the league for allowing Brock Tuner’s controversial goal that denied their team a chance to win the Stanley Cup trophy and cost them a championship.

2. The 2004-05 Lockout: A Lost Season

The NHL created history as the initial dominant sports league to cancel its complete season because of workforce disagreements. Both the salary cap implementation and fan disenchantment and reputation degradation followed the lockout period in the league.

3. Patrick Roy’s Trade Demand Disaster

Roy informed Montreal’s president following the 1995 defeat that it marked his last appearance as a player in the team. The Colorado Avalanche acquired Roy in a trade and, thanks to his goaltending, secured two championship wins as the Canadiens emptily looked for their future stopper during that period.

4. The Bertuzzi-Moore Assault

A deliberate punch delivered by Todd Bertuzzi took out Steve Moore from playing hockey in 2004. The violent incident created legal troubles which resulted in a prolonged ban and established itself as one of hockey’s most notorious ice-related tragedies.

5. Chicago’s Sexual Assault Cover-Up

The 2021 report revealed that Blackhawks managers allowed their video coach to sexually assault players while their team was winning the 2010 championship. The scandal led to several management departures after the team paid Kyle Beach an agreed settlement amount.

6. The Blues’ 2019 Controversial Cup Run

The St. Louis team benefited from an obvious mistimed penalty in their postseason games that advanced them past San Jose in their miracle season. The NHL recognized their mistake yet the Blues received the Cup through an official vote.

7. More Lockouts: 2013 & 2020

The 2012-13 lockout reduced the season length and then COVID-19 caused an entire season stoppage during 2020. These two stoppages met with opposition from viewers along with players thus creating additional challenges to league support.
The National Hockey League experiences success and bad publicity as major factors that form its historical profile. The league has managed to solve some problems however the notorious incidents continue to cast a permanent mark on hockey records. From bad calls to shocking scandals, they serve as reminders that even the greatest sport has its flaws—and that accountability is crucial for its future.