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Tavares wants challenge implemented for intentionally dislodging net

Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty

John Tavares isn't pleased with what Collin Delia was allowed to do Wednesday night.

The Toronto Maple Leafs superstar called for a rule change after the Chicago Blackhawks goaltender pushed the net off its moorings with about 25 seconds left in a 5-4 Blackhawks win.

"I didn’t see what happened there with the net coming off and whatnot but ... if that’s on purpose by them, especially in the last couple minutes in big situations I would love to see that being a challenge at some point," Tavares told reporters postgame.

"You got that kind of pressure, that’s kind of a free out if that’s what happened," he added. "I didn’t really see it. We did everything but tie it up. We had our chances, pucks were just bouncing around the net, around the crease. We just couldn’t find the tie."

The Leafs trailed 4-0 after 20 minutes and 5-1 through two periods before scoring three times and registering 29 shots on goal in the third frame.

Tavares established a new career high with his 39th goal this season, bringing Toronto within one with about 90 seconds remaining.

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