For once, the Washington Capitals caught a break against the Pittsburgh Penguins. While leading 3-1 in third period, it appeared the Capitals’ lead was cut to one when Patric Hornqvist had tapped in the puck past in the net. However, Capitals goalie Braden Holtby trapped the puck hindering officials from conclusively ruling it was a goal.
you're the ref…goal or no goal, what's your call? pic.twitter.com/FEvTK0YBK2
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 29, 2018
The officials went to replay review, and while it appeared the puck cleared the goal line from certain angles officials ruled there was no definitive evidence of the goal crossing the line, therefore waving away the potential goal.
Here are the angles we have of the Penguins potential 2nd goal. pic.twitter.com/a6ZiQot6Ja
— NHL Highlights #StanleyCup | HockeyDaily365 (@HockeyDaily365) April 29, 2018
Play resumed with the Capitals maintaining a two-goal lead almost midway through the final period. The NHL explained the ruling of the no-goal:
“At 9:03 of the third period in the Penguins/Capitals game, the Situation Room initiated a video review to further examine a play at the Washington net. Video review determined that there were no definitive replays which showed that the puck completely crossed the Washington goal line. Therefore, the Referee’s call on the ice stands – no goal Pittsburgh.”
The Capitals would add a late empty-net goal by Nicklas Backstrom to put Game 2 away for a 4-1 victory. The best-of-seven series is now tied 1-1 as the series shifts to Pittsburgh for the next two games.
