Sunday night’s game between the Oilers and Kings in Edmonton nearly went to overtime after what appeared to be a goal in the game’s final seconds, but a controversial ruling determined that there was no definitive evidence of the puck crossing the goal line. Thus, the play was ruled no goal and the Kings won the game.
In regulation’s waning seconds, Oilers top 2015 draft pick Connor McDavid corralled a loose puck while in front of the Kings’ net and backhanded a shot on net. Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick was able to glove the shot before it clearly became a goal, but there was some question as to whether or not the puck fully crossed the goal line to tie the game.
Initially, the offensive zone referee signaled that it was a goal.
But that signal was quickly reversed, with the call on the ice being ‘no goal’ and the play going to review.
From this angle, it looks as though there might be some white between the puck and the goal line before Quick gets his glove on it:
But, as we’ve seen in the past, the NHL is hesitant to trust certain camera angles because of the parallax view, which can create an optical illusion for those watching. The most trusted camera view for close calls such as this one is typically the overhead shot, but, in this case, that did not provide a clear conclusion because Quick’s glove kept the puck hidden as it approached the goal line.
It looks as though the puck could have crossed the line under Quick’s catching mitt, but it’s impossible to tell for sure. Maybe more telling is this photo from ice level, which — at the very least — shows that the puck came extremely close to clearing the goal line. Again, it’s not conclusive.
Although logic says that, in all likelihood, the puck crossed the line for a good goal, a lack of definitive evidence left the game’s officials with no other choice but to rule it ‘no goal.’ Although it really sucks for Edmonton, who loses at least one point as a result, it’s not fair to place blame on the refs. Instead, blame the NHL for not having more advanced goal line technology in 2015.
