Freeze Frame: Montgomery hesitant to challenge due to 'Sid Rules' taken at PPG Paints Arena (Penguins)

JOE SARGENT / GETTY

Jim Montgomery talks to a referee Saturday at PPG Paints Arena.

Jim Montgomery, the Bruins' head coach, opted to challenge Jake Guentzel's tying goal for goalie interference in the third period of their 4-3 victory over the Penguins here at PPG Paints Arena Saturday.

He was unsuccessful.

Here's another look at the play:

Sidney Crosby clearly made contact with Jeremy Swayman before the shot was taken, but he was also clearly bumped into Swayman by Brandon Carlo.

It turns out Montgomery almost didn't challenge the play because of ... "Sid Rules."

"We thought it was goalie interference because Swayman was hit in the head," Montgomery said following the game. "Now, you know how there used to be the (Michael) Jordan Rules (in the NBA)? I've been here (in Pittsburgh) now five times, and something I'm almost sure that's going to happen, didn't happen tonight. They're going to get a 2-on-1 in the first minute, because we're going to make a mistake. They're going to get a 5-on-3 and you're going to be killing a lot of penalties. 

"This is the third time I've been here where we challenge. You get it wrong sometimes. I call it the Sid Rules. He's a great player. He's a great player. And you know what? The league should take care of their superstars. That's why I was kind of hesitant about challenging it."

Montgomery reassured reporters that the Bruins didn't end up on the wrong side of anything, but that he did believe the "hockey gods rewarded us in the end."

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