Sharks coach Todd McLellan, on Williams’ jab-in goal: “We got cheated. Simple as that.”
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) April 29, 2014
Stalock: “I don’t think the puck goes in if I wasn’t pushed in” #Sharks #Kings #NHLplayoffs #BecauseItsTheCup
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) April 29, 2014
Here’s the video:
Following the game, former NHL referee and current TSN analyst Kerry Fraser explained that he would’ve disallowed the goal based on rule 69.6, which deals with loose pucks and rebounds.
The rule reads like this:
In the event that a goalkeeper has been pushed into the net together with the puck by an attacking player after making a stop, the goal will be disallowed.
If applicable, appropriate penalties will be assessed. In the event that the puck is under a player in or around the crease area (deliberately or otherwise), a goal cannot be scored by pushing this player together with the puck into the goal.
Fraser’s explanation?
I would disallow Kings 2’nd goal re: 69.6. Once Stalock made initial save even though portion of puck became visible to ref from behind.
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) April 29, 2014
Overriding factor is J. Williams did not put puck into net legally w/ stick but pushed Stalock backwards with his stick causing momentum &
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) April 29, 2014
Resulting in the puck to cross goal line. This is no different than crashing the net.
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) April 29, 2014
Interesting debate, but a moot one as both teams are already looking ahead to Game 7. It’ll go on Wednesday in San Jose, at 10 p.m. ET on NBCSN.