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Canadiens fans are outraged after the NHL's surprising last-minute change

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Vincent Carbonneau
May 27, 2026  (8:59)
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May 25, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes players celebrate after winning game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre.
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The NHL just made a change in the middle of the Canadiens-Hurricanes series, and it's not sitting well.

Not even close.

More than 24 hours after Game 3, the league quietly adjusted Montreal's shot total from 12 to 13.

That's it.

One extra shot.

And somehow, that small change created a much bigger reaction.

Because this isn't about the number.

It's about timing.

Different game

Same result, but they added one more shot, so let's make it 13 instead

3-2 OT win for #soundthesiren and #gohabsgo

A surprise NHL decision is suddenly causing massive backlash in Montreal

Game 3 already left a mark.

The Canadiens dropped a 3-2 overtime decision and were held to almost nothing offensively. The narrative coming out of that game was clear - Carolina controlled the pace, and Montreal couldn't generate looks.

That hasn't changed.

Even with the updated number.

Montreal officially finished with 13 shots, instead of 12, after the late statistical revision.

But that's exactly why fans are pushing back.

Because while the league found time to review and adjust a shot total, there are bigger issues that have gone untouched in this series.

And everyone knows it.

There have been multiple questionable plays, including a dangerous hit involving Lane Hutson that didn't lead to any real consequence.

No suspension.

No serious follow-up.

Nothing.

That contrast is what's driving the frustration.

Fans aren't arguing about one shot on goal.

They're asking why that got attention while more serious moments didn't.

And it's happening in the middle of a playoff series that's already tight.

Carolina leads the matchup, and every detail feels magnified right now.

That includes decisions from the league.

Because when the focus shifts from the ice to off-ice calls like this, it adds noise to a series that's already intense.

And in Montreal, that noise is getting louder.

Fast.