The New York Rangers had a slow start on Wednesday night against the New Jersey Devils, falling into a 3-0 hole just 10 minutes into the first period. To their credit, the Rangers did their best to dig themselves out of it, getting a late goal from Brandon Prust (of all people) and then coming out early in the second and getting one from their captain, Ryan Callahan.
It's the second goal that resulted in some discussion as to whether or not it should have counted. And why it counted.
The play had to be reviewed to make sure it wasn't directed in by a distinct kicking motion. In the end, it was determined to be a good goal, and the NHL explained that the puck actually went in off of Callahan's leg, not his skate.
From the NHL:
At 0:32 of the second period in the Rangers/Devils game, video review upheld the referee's call on the ice that Artem Anisimov's cross-ice pass deflected off Ryan Callahan's leg and into the Devils' net. According to rule 78.4 "if an attacking player has the puck deflect into the net, off his skate or body, in any manner, the goal shall be allowed." Good Goal New York.Here's the play, complete with multiple replay angles.
Did they get it right?
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