VIDEO: Kings score controversial goal after Leafs' Gardiner bats puck with high stick

Justin Williams got the Los Angeles Kings on the board late in the second period of Sunday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle didn't believe the goal should have counted.

Right before Williams scored to cut Toronto's lead to 2-1, the puck was batted down by the high stick of Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner. 

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

Here's another look at how the play developed, as Gardiner knocked the puck out of the air with a stick that was clearly above his shoulders.

(Courtesy: Sportsnet)

Here is the official rule pertaining to the situation:

Rule 80 - High-sticking the Puck

80.1 High-sticking the Puck - Batting the puck above the normal height of the shoulders with a stick is prohibited. When a puck is struck with a high stick and subsequently comes into the possession and control of a player from the offending team (including the player who made contact with the puck), either directly or deflected off any player or official, there shall be a whistle.

When a puck has been contacted by a high stick, the play shall be permitted to continue, provided that:

(i)  the puck has been batted to an opponent (when a player bats the puck to an opponent, the Referee shall give the "washout" signal immediately. Otherwise, he will stop the play).

(ii) a player of the defending side shall bat the puck into his own goal in which case the goal shall be allowed.

The puck was batted down by Gardiner, but officials deemed no whistle was required because it did not come into possession and control of a player from the offending team (Toronto) before Williams put it in the Maple Leafs' net.