Tampa Bay Lightning forward awarded controversial goal against the Calgary Flames

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Valdislav Namestnikov was credited with his fourth goal of the season right about halfway through the second period. This goal gave Tampa a 2-1 lead over the Calgary Flames.

There was controversy over whether or not this goal should have counted. After Nick Paul did some great forechecking work in the corner he threw the puck out in front of the net, just above the crease. Calgary goalie Dan Vladar poke checked the puck but it went off of Namestnikov's skate and into the net. Now deflections go off of skates and into the net all the time. The problem with this goal is Nemestnikov used a kicking motion to get the puck into the net. Take a look:


the refs made a mistake by allowing this a goal. Nemestnikov clearly used his leg to kick the puck into the net. The rules clearly state that a kicking motion is not allowed. Yet the referees counted this a goal anyways. It has not been a good week for referees this week . Coaches, players, and fans have let him hear about it.


I can see the refs missing this call in real time because plays happen so fast. Nowadays, with video review, the refs should have easily been able to make a correction. Why not take the time and the effort to get the call right? That is the refs whole job!