RALEIGH, N.C. — The Vegas Golden Knights saw a potential go-ahead goal wiped out by a goaltender interference call with five minutes left in regulation of Game 2 on Thursday, and their coach’s decision to challenge the no-goal ruling led directly to a Carolina Hurricanes power-play tally that shifted the momentum of the 4-3 overtime loss.
With the score tied 2-2, Ivan Barbashev attempted a wraparound that was stopped by goalie Frederik Andersen. As players piled into the crease, the puck squirted loose and Barbashev appeared to poke it into the net just as the referee blew his whistle. The official immediately waved off the goal, ruling that Barbashev interfered with Andersen.
Golden Knights coach John Tortorella opted to challenge the call after reviewing replays on a tablet. The challenge was unsuccessful, resulting in a delay-of-game penalty that Carolina capitalized on 25 seconds later when Sebastian Aho scored to give the Hurricanes a 3-2 lead.
“Obviously a game-changer for us,” Carolina captain Jordan Staal said.
The NHL’s replay report stated that an overturn would have required “conclusive and irrefutable” evidence, and that replays showed Barbashev interfered with Andersen, impairing his ability to play his position. NHL director of officiating Stephen Walkom backed the call, saying the official believed the puck was under Andersen and that Barbashev interfered with the goalie’s ability to freeze the puck.
Tortorella disagreed with the assessment but stood by his decision to challenge. “I saw a loose puck in front of Freddy,” Tortorella said. “Our player stabbed it and didn’t move the goalie and it goes through to the other side. I’d challenge it 10 out of 10 times.”
The Hurricanes’ power-play goal not only tied the series at 1-1 but also gave Carolina confidence with the man advantage, as they later scored the game-winner in overtime on another power play.
“That was a crazy time, obviously,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “They called no goal on the ice, and that’s how it worked out.”
Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin said the team must move on. “Just out of our control,” he said of the call. “That’s their decision. Nothing we can do about it.”
Game 3 is Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
