Not all officials are calling obstruction

Mark Recchi comes to the defence of Crosby after Sid Vicious was called for a 'weak' penalty late in the 5-3 loss to the Hurricanes.

The NHL has zero tolerance on obstruction penalties, but one player said different officials have varying definitions of zero.

At issue was an interference call against rookie Sidney Crosby that led to Carolina's game-winning goal in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-3 loss to the Hurricanes Saturday at Mellon Arena.

Crosby and Carolina defenseman Glen Wesley were battling for the puck along the boards and the play seemed innocent.

However, by rigid definition, Crosby wasn't actually playing the puck, so the penalty was called.

"Most guys wouldn't have called that penalty," Crosby linemate Mark Recchi said. "Probably 99 percent wouldn't. That's just a battle play."

Saturday's referees were Dave Jackson and Chris Rooney.

Full story here.