The Dallas Stars scored a controversial winning goal in Game 3 against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.
Alex Petrovic scored with a kicking motion in the third period, but the goal was allowed following a lengthy review because officials determined Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck put the puck in himself.
"The Winnipeg goalie puts the puck into his own net after a kick," the referee said.
The league offered the following explanation postgame.
"The situation room initiated a video review to further examine if Alexander Petrovic kicked the puck into the Winnipeg net," per the league's statement. "Video was then used to determine if the puck made contact with Petrovic's stick prior to it entering the net. After looking at all available replays, video review supported the referee's call on the ice that Connor Hellebuyck propelled the puck into his own net."
Jets head coach Scott Arniel wasn't pleased with the explanation.
"The rule states that if the puck gets kicked, hits a body or a stick of anybody else other than the goaltender, it counts as a goal. It hit our goaltender's stick and went into the net. That is no goal," Arniel said postgame, per Sportsnet. "They said that (Hellebuyck) propelled the puck in, I haven't seen the word propelled in the rulebook."
Rule 49.2 of the rulebook states the following:
A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who kicks a puck that deflects into the net off any player, goalkeeper, or official. A puck that deflects into the net off an attacking player’s skate who does not use a distinct kicking motion is a legitimate goal. A puck that is directed into the net by an attacking player’s skate shall be a legitimate goal as long as no distinct kicking motion is evident. The following should clarify deflections following a kicked puck that enters the goal:
- (i) A kicked puck that deflects off the body of any player of either team (including the goalkeeper) shall be ruled no goal.
- (ii) A kicked puck that deflects off the stick of any player (excluding the goalkeeper’s stick) shall be ruled a good goal.
- (iii) A goal will be allowed when an attacking player kicks the puck and the puck deflects off his own stick and then into the net.
- (iv) A goal will be allowed when a puck enters the goal after deflecting off an attacking player’s skate or deflects off his skate while he is in the process of stopping.
Mikko Rantanen scored for the Stars 49 seconds after Petrovic's goal to double Dallas' lead to 4-2. The Stars held on for a 5-2 victory and now hold a 2-1 series lead.
Rantanen led the way with three points in the contest. He's now up to an NHL-leading 18 points in 10 playoff games.
Hellebuyck is now 0-8 in his last eight road playoff games with a 5.83 goals-against average and an .827 save percentage. His .848 save percentage this postseason is the second worst among goalies with at least one start.
