It’s been like clockwork in this series.
There’s a stoppage in play. The Bruins make their line change. The Leafs make their line change. The teams get set for a faceoff.
Players approach the dot. We’re ready to go. Let’s do that hockey! And then...
SCENE
LINESMAN STANDS UP WITH A FLOURISH. RAISES HIS ARM TRIUMPHANTLY.
LINESMAN: “You have violated the sanctity of the faceoff circle. You, sir, are OUT.”
PLAYER SKATES AWAY FEELING SHAME
CROWD REJOICES THAT THE SANCTITY OF THE CIRCLE IS INTACT.
THE END
What, that’s not how it goes down?