Controversial Goal Decision Leaves Winnipeg Jets Frustrated in Game 3 Loss to Dallas Stars

Controversial Goal Decision Leaves Winnipeg Jets Frustrated in Game 3 Loss to Dallas Stars

In the heart of Dallas, the Winnipeg Jets found themselves in a whirlwind of controversy and frustration following their 5-2 loss to the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series. The game, which now puts the Jets down 2-1 in the series, was marked by a contentious goal that has left Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel and his team questioning the decision-making process of the NHL officials.

“That is no goal,” Arniel firmly stated, echoing the sentiments of many Jets fans who watched the game unfold. The goal in question came from Dallas defenseman Alexander Petrovic, whose third-period tiebreaking goal was allowed after an extensive eight-minute review by the on-ice officials and the NHL Situation Room. The controversy stemmed from Petrovic directing the puck toward the net with his skate, leading to a complex review process.

Referee Graham Skilliter announced that “after video review, the Winnipeg goalie puts the puck into his own net after a kick” and that it was a “good goal.” This decision did not sit well with the Jets, especially goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who had initially saved the puck only to have it deflect off his stick and into the net after Petrovic’s skate redirection.

The NHL Situation Room explained their decision, stating, “The Situation Room initiated a video review to further examine if Alexander Petrovic kicked the puck into the Winnipeg net. Video was then used to determine if the puck made contact with Petrovic’s stick prior to it entering the net.” They concluded that “video review supported the Referee’s call on the ice that Connor Hellebuyck propelled the puck into his own net.”

According to the NHL rulebook, a distinct kicking motion is defined as a play where an attacking player “has deliberately propelled the puck with a kick of his foot or skate and the puck subsequently enters the net.” However, a player can direct a puck into the net with his skate as long as he doesn’t kick it. This nuance in the rules added layers to the review process.

Arniel, standing by his interpretation of the rules, argued, “The rule states that if a puck gets kicked, it hits a body or a stick of anybody else other than a goaltender, it counts as a goal. It hit our goaltender’s stick and went in the net. That is no goal. So, they said that Helly propelled the puck in. I haven’t seen the word ‘propel’ in the rulebook.”

On the other side of the rink, Dallas coach Pete DeBoer had a different take. “I believe the rule reads that if [Hellebuyck is] making a play on the puck, that it’s a goal. So, that’s the difference. Does it just deflect it off him or is he trying to make a play with the puck? I think they got it right,” he said.

Rule 78.4 further complicates the matter, stating, “a goal shall be scored if the puck is shot into the goal by a player of the defending side. The player of the attacking side who last touched the puck shall be credited with the goal but no assist shall be awarded. A goal shall be scored if the puck is put into the goal in any other manner by a player of the defending side.”

Ultimately, the interpretation that Hellebuyck played the puck into his own goal after the kick, rather than having it deflect off his stick and in, was the determining factor for it being allowed in Game 3.

Petrovic’s goal was a catalyst for the Dallas offense, as Mikko Rantanen scored just 49 seconds later, marking his playoff-leading ninth goal and extending the lead to 4-2.

• Winnipeg players expressed their frustration:
• Winger Kyle Connor noted, “Obviously, a big momentum-changer. They were able to get that one and they scored on the next shift there.”
• Forward Morgan Barron added, “I would have liked to see it come off the board, obviously.”

As the Jets prepare for a critical Game 4 in Dallas on Tuesday, the pressure is mounting on Hellebuyck, who has struggled on the road with an 0-4 record in the playoffs and has lost eight of his past nine road games in the postseason. Despite his challenges, Hellebuyck remains a key player, having been a finalist for both the Vezina Trophy and the Hart Trophy this season.

Dallas initially took a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal by Roope Hintz just 2:27 into the game. The Stars regained the lead with less than five minutes remaining in the first period, thanks to a play by Mikael Granlund and defenseman Thomas Harley.

Arniel emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, stating, “We’re going to be judged, not just Connor, by what happens on the road. We’ve got to win. They came into our building and took home ice away from us. We’ve got to win here. And so everything that we have is going to be pushed into Game 4 here to get this thing evened up going back into our building.”