With the Nashville Predators pouring it on the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night, Filip Forsberg put the 6th goal of the night into the back of the net past James Reimer at 1:26 of the third period — or so it appeared. Immediately after the puck entered the net, the referee waved his arms disallowing the goal claiming the puck was deflected into the net because of a distinct kicking motion. However, as you will see in the goal, Forsberg did move his skate to deflect the puck, but did not kick the puck in.
According to Rule 49.2 “A puck that deflects into the net off an attacking player’s skate who does not use a distinct kicking motion is a legitimate goal.”
Forsberg’s 9th of the season was only 1 of 9 Nashville goals, tying a franchise record, in the 9-2 route against the Leafs. This was the most goals given up by Toronto since 1991.
Key word here: It wasn’t KICKED. It was DIRECTED. Think of a soccer playing kicking a ball. Did Forsberg KICK? No. He angled his skate to direct it in.