Minnesota’ Erik Haula opened the scoring in Thursday night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. That is, until the play was reviewed.
After the NHL’s Situation Room has a look at the play, they determined that the pick had been propelled by a distinct kicking motion. No goal Minnesota.
The puck didn’t go directly in. After Haula kicked the puck, it deflected off Columbus forward William Karlsson’s skate before crossing the goal line.
As unusual as it may seem, that’s the right call.
49.2 Goals – Kicking the puck shall be permitted in all zones.
A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who uses a distinct kicking motion to propel the puck into the net with his skate/foot.
A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who kicks a puck that deflects into the net off any player, goalkeeper or official.
Haula was a bit surprised by the call.
“I don’t understand how that can be a rule,” Haula said, as reported by the Star Tribune’s Michael Russo. “Especially when they’re trying to get more goals. It’s a 1-0 game, so it makes it more frustrating.”
Frustrating, yes, but the right call.
