Florida Panthers captain Matthew Tkachuk scored his 11th goal of the season after what appeared to be a ‘distinct kicking motion’ against the Edmonton Oilers. 

As Panthers center Carter Verhaege fired the puck at the net, Tkachuk – positioned at the top of the goal crease – extended his right skate, pushing it forward and contacting the puck to deflect it past Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner. 

 

The NHL’s Situation Room took a second look at the play and confirmed the call on the ice. 

Video review supported the Referee’s call on the ice that the puck deflected off of Matthew Tkachuk’s skate and entered the Edmonton net in a legal fashion. Rule 37.4 states, in part, that “a puck that deflects into the net off an attacking Player’s skate who does not use a ‘distinct kicking motion’ shall be ruled a GOAL. A puck that is directed into the net by an attacking Players’ skate shall also be ruled a GOAL, as long as no ‘distinct kicking motion’ is evident.”

Here’s the rest of Rule 37.4:

Plays that involve a puck entering the net as a direct result of a “distinct kicking motion” shall be ruled NO GOAL.

A “distinct kicking motion,” for purposes of Video Review, is one where the video makes clear that an attacking Player has deliberately propelled the puck with a kick of his foot or skate and the puck subsequently enters the net. A goal cannot be scored on a play where an attacking Player propels the puck with his skate into the net (even by means of a subsequent deflection off of another Player) using a “distinct kicking motion.”

A puck that deflects into the net off an attacking Player’s skate who does not use a “distinct kicking motion” shall be ruled a GOAL. A puck that is directed into the net by an attacking Players’ skate shall also be ruled a GOAL, as long as no “distinct kicking motion” is evident.

Tkachuk is allowed to turn his skate to deflect the puck, provided he does not propel the puck into the net. In this case, it appears he did more than just turn it. The overhead view shows his foot moving forward, appearing to push the puck toward the goal line. 

Tough Call provided an excellent breakdown of the play: 
 

Potentially kicked-in goals are not eligible for Coach’s Challenge.

The Florida Panthers went on to defeat the Edmonton Oilers by a score of 6-5. Referees for the game were Kelly Sutherland (#11) and Francis Charron (#6); linespersons were Brad Kovachik (#71) and Devin Berg (#87).  The final ruling on the Tkachuk goal was made by the NHL’s Situation Room in Toronto.