Maple Leafs Use Controversial Disallowed Goal to Fuel Offensive Explosion in Buffalo

The Toronto Maple Leafs jumped ahead to an early 1-0 lead after the sizzling third line opened the scoring just 1:29 into the game. However, just a few minutes later, their lead seemingly vanished after Alex Tuch fired away from the slot to tie things up.

Fortunately for the Maple Leafs, the goal was disallowed after a very late ruling by the referees, who also assessed Jason Zucker for a 4-minute double-minor high sticking penalty.

Zucker started the play as he entered the zone and as he tried to deke past Chris Tanev, his stick caught the defender in the face, however the referees let the play continue.

Sabres defenseman Owen Power picked up the loose puck with speed, found Zucker around the Maple Leafs' net, and he then set up Tuch all alone in the slot for the game-tying goal.

Technically, it was the right call because the stick clearly caught Tanev in the mouth, but the fact that the play wasn't blown dead, the referee's arm didn't go up, and they allowed the play to continue, which then led to a goal, makes this all that more controversial.

Elliotte Friedman alluded to the fact that the referees conferred after the play after they noticed Tanev was leaking, which prompted the call.

To add insult to injury, the ever-struggling Sabres allowed a power play goal to Auston Matthews shortly after the fact, sending them into a 2-0 deficit early on. Now up 5-2 heading into the 2nd intermission, the Leafs were very clearly energized by the call and have used it to their advantage, while the Sabres seemingly had the wind taken out of their sails.