The league failed to explain why Mats Zuccarello's tally counted, but thankfully someone else came through to clear up the confusion
The Calgary Flames and their fans at first glance had every right to assume a bad call went against them in the opening round of the shootout in their 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
It appeared Mats Zuccarello converted his own rebound when he opened the showdown with a goal. Flames goaltender Dan Vladar immediately alerted the officials that Zuccarello hit the puck after Vladar’s stick had made contact with the puck, and put it in the net.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z_JWUFlIys[/embed]
The replay proved it. It appeared to be a near carbon copy of the overturned goal Evan Rodrigues of the Florida Panthers thought he had scored to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs a few weeks ago.
However, after a lengthy review, Zuccarello’s goal was upheld.
Because the NHL does not allow officials to speak to media after games, nor did the league explain it via social media, it was easy to assume the Flames were jobbed.
Thanks to the fine folks at scoutingtherefs.com, we have an answer.
Essentially, Vladar’s poke check attempt came before Zuccarello attempted an actual shot. The Wild forward was moving the puck to deke, and therefore since it was not yet a shot attempt, it was not a rebound.
As much as it led to yet another Flames shootout loss, it appears the officials made the correct call.