The Colorado Avalanche won Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in overtime with a goal from Nazem Kadri, but the play sparked controversy. The puck slipped past the Lightning goalie and got stuck in the top of the net, causing confusion. While cameras caught Lightning captain Steven Stamkos discreetly tossing the puck back out, the officials eventually ruled it a good goal. The Avalanche celebrated, and Tampa Bay was frustrated, not just by the result but by how it happened.
The most debated part of the goal was a possible too-many-men-on-the-ice violation. Kadri jumped onto the ice while the player he was replacing was still well outside the allowed five-foot distance from the bench. That line change let Kadri catch the pass that led to the game-winner. Screenshots show six Avalanche players on the ice when Kadri first touches the puck. The player whose shift he was supposed to take was far from the bench and not hurrying to get off. If the change had been legal, Kadri might not have been in position to score. Instead, the early jump gave Colorado a clear advantage in that moment.
While coaches and players quickly reviewed replays on the bench monitors, officials let the goal stand. Later, the Lightning coach said his heart broke for his players over the blown call. The goal gave Colorado a 3-1 series lead, putting them in a commanding position. Whether or not the line change should have been called, it played a key role in the outcome.