I don't think that win was "tainted" by any means. Both teams came out, played a hell of a game, and one of the teams won. I just can't necessarily say that the "better" team won, because those 20 guys in the Sabres uniforms were not the same 20 that got us to that point. I thought that the rookies stepped up and played a huge game, way above expectations, but it was still evident that the talent and experience of guys like McKee, Numminen, and Tallinder was sorely missed.
And, FWIW, there is no discretion for that penalty, the referee _must_ make that call. The rule is, if a defender shoots the puck over the glass in his own zone and it doesn't touch anything, its a delay of game call. If it deflects off of another player, or if it hits the glass before going out of play, then it is not a penalty.
OLN did not do a very good job looking closer at the play, as there was a Carolina player's stick very, very close to the puck, so it could have been tipped. I think it was Hecht who immediately signaled to the referee that he thought it was tipped, but I think only Brian Campbell and the carolina player know for sure. Campbell didn't say anything about it, but he may also know better than to stir up another controversy, because it would accomplish nothing.
Also, remember that in '99, we complained that a rule that was on the books was _not_ enforced in a critical situation. In this case, a rule that is on the books _was_ enforced in a critical situation. We Buffalo fans can't have it both ways. While I don't like the rule (and I can't imagine it remaining a rule come next season), I don't blame it for this loss.