Fans, especially new fans, get this segment of the game incorrect, and it happens every game.

When a delayed penalty is called, the offending team must show puck possession before the whistle is actually supposed to be blown. By the rule book it's simply not enough for the offending team to just touch the puck.

Some referees blow the play down immediately on the touch, but this is because there are no opposing players in the area. If there is a scrum and possession by the offending team is not established on the touch, the whistle does not have to be blown until it is.

Fans not knowing this should familiarize themselves with this simple rule. You hear booing a couple times per game when a desperate touch to end play by the offending team does not result in a whistle.