Late in the third period with the game tied 4-4, Calgary crashed the net and scored what looked like a season-saving goal with six minutes left. Edmonton’s goalie immediately argued the call, suggesting the puck was kicked in. Officials went to review, unsure at first what they were even looking at. The replay showed the puck clearly deflected off the goal-scorer’s skate, but the key question was intent. Under NHL rules updated in 2020, goals can count off a skate as long as there isn’t a distinct kicking motion. The call would hinge on how the refs interpreted that motion.
This wasn’t the first time the rule caused controversy. A similar situation benefited the Seattle Kraken, who had a foot-directed puck ruled a good goal under the same interpretation. Some felt the goal in this game should’ve counted too, arguing the player just turned his skate to redirect the puck while skating, not actively kicking it. Others saw a clear kicking motion. The skater himself admitted the puck went off his foot but believed he followed the rule and had no intent to kick. Still, the refs ruled it no goal.
That overturned call crushed Calgary’s momentum. The game went to overtime, and Edmonton won, eliminating the Flames from playoff contention. The decision sparked frustration from fans and raised fresh questions about how consistently the kicking rule is applied.