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VIDEO: Devils score controversial goal after Patrik Elias gloves puck

Reuters

The New Jersey Devils scored a goal on Friday night against the Dallas Stars that was questionable for two reasons.

Devils forward Patrik Elias gloved the puck across to Damien Brunner, who then put it in while the net was coming off its moorings.

Here's how the league explained the decision to allow the goal:

Video review showed that the net was displaced after the puck crossed the Stars goal line. According to Rule 78.4 "The goal frame shall be considered in its proper position when at least a portion of the flexible peg(s) are still inside both the goal post and the hole in the ice". Good goal New Jersey.

That explanation only addresses the timing of the net coming off its hinges. As for the hand pass, here's what Rule 79.1 dictates:

A player shall be permitted to stop or “bat” a puck in the air with his open hand, or push it along the ice with his hand, and the play shall not be stopped unless, in the opinion of the Referee, he has directed the puck to a teammate.

A player shall be permitted to catch the puck out of the air but must immediately place it or knock it down to the ice. If he catches it and skates with it, either to avoid a check or to gain a territorial advantage over his opponent, a minor penalty shall be assessed for “closing his hand on the puck” under Rule 67 – Handling Puck.

The officials apparently deemed Elias did not intend to direct the puck to Brunner, despite the video evidence.

The goal tied the game, but the Stars prevailed in a shootout.

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