A 4-3 shootout loss to the Rangers got the Wild one point a tight Western Conference wild-card race, but it should’ve been a two-point night since the Wild held a 3-1 lead in the third period.
Minnesota’s inability to close reared its ugly head again as Mika Zibanejad scored with 66 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, leading to the shootout where the Wild went scoreless and Artemi Panarin’s questionable tally put the Rangers up 2-0 and led to the win.
The debate about the legitimacy of Panarin’s goal is ongoing despite the NHL reviewing the play and determining that it was a good goal. But did Panarin really keep the puck moving towards the opponent’s goal line before releasing the shot?
NHL rules mandate a player cannot stop forward momentum, and Panarin appeared to back up before shooting.
“Stalock wants to know ‘how long am I supposed to wait?'” said Dick Stockton on the live call for MSG.
The NHL’s explanation for allowing the goal to stand:
“Video review confirmed Artemi Panarin kept the puck in a constant motion towards the goal line in his shootout attempt, therefore, scored legally. The decision was made in accordance with Rule 24.2, which states in part, ‘The puck must be kept in motion towards the opponent’s goal line and once it is shot, the play shall be considered complete.'”
Wild coach Bruce Boudreau thought it was a bogus review: “Well, it should’ve been (called back). I just read the rule and the rule says the puck has to be going forward at all times. I may be blind, but it doesn’t look like it was going forward at the end. We took the furthest point it went at the top of the crease and then when he shot it, he was going backwards. I don’t know.”
After the defeat, the Wild are three points behind Arizona for the final wild card spot and also have three games in hand. However, the extra point would have been nice to have and with General Manager Bill Guerin evaluating the roster prior to the Feb. 24 trade deadline, the loss could have ramifications moving forward.
