NHL explains why Mark Giordano's controversial shorthanded goal was allowed on Saturday amid heavy criticism of the decision
On Saturday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs played host to an Atlantic Division rival in the Buffalo Sabres. During the first period, the Leafs seemed to be firmly in control of the game, racking up a trio of goals and taking a 3-0 lead into the first intermission, en route to a 5-2 win.
The Leafs' third goal of the period was mired in controversy, as Mitch Marner was sprung on a breakaway, sending a drop pass back to a streaking Mark Giordano, who was in good position to be able to score on the open net. The problem was that a Buffalo Sabre, coming in hard on the backcheck, knocked the net off before the puck had crossed the line.
The call on the ice was no-goal, but a quick play review saw the call on the ice overturned and the goal was allowed. There were a bevy of comments during and after the game criticizing those in the war room who allowed the goal, leading to the NHL offering up an explanation.
The decision was made in accordance with Rule 63.7, which states, in part, that "In the event that the goal post is displaced, either deliberately or accidentally by a defending player, prior to the puck crossing the goal line between the normal position of the goalposts, the Referee may award a goal. In order to award a goal in this situation, the goal post must have been displaced by the actions of a defending player, the attacking player must have an imminent scoring opportunity prior to the goal post being displaced, and it must be determined that the puck would have entered the net between the normal position of the goal posts.
Without a doubt, there was an imminent scoring chance for the Leafs, with Giordano having a wide-open net with the Sabres' goaltender essentially down and out. In my opinion, the right call was made, even though the more common opinion may be to the contrary.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 21 | 456 ANSWERS NHL explains why Mark Giordano's controversial shorthanded goal was allowed on Saturday amid heavy criticism of the decision Do you believe the war room got the call right on Giordano's goal on Saturday? | ||
| Yes | 404 | 88.6 % |
| No | 52 | 11.4 % |
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