Photo credit: NHL

There’s certainly no shortage of storylines following Ivan Demidov’s long-awaited first game with the Montreal Canadiens and in the NHL.

Let’s start with what many consider the most important one.

According to the NHL’s official rulebook, Frank Nazar’s infamous shootout goal, the one that ultimately gave the Chicago Blackhawks the win, was not valid.

The rule is very clear, and the National Hockey League will need to make an announcement to explain itself.

Frank Nazar’s Shootout Goal Was Officially Not Valid

It’s frustrating, because the Canadiens were clearly robbed of a point last night.

We’re referring to the following sequences:

What a fiasco!

The rule is crystal clear.

The referees and the NHL were not allowed to reverse their decision regarding Frank Nazar’s goal.

It’s clearly stated that as soon as a shot is ruled “no goal” and the next shooter takes off (which was the case here with Laine), the previous play is considered final and cannot be overturned.

“The original ruling CANNOT be changed.”
– NHL Rulebook

“It’s too late to overturn the decision. No goal. You CANNOT go back in time and change the ruling [which is what happened last night with Frank Nazar].”
– NHL Rulebook

It’s unbelievable..

Gary Bettman and the National Hockey League Will Have to Explain Themselves

The NHL will clearly need to make an announcement and absolutely must explain itself today!

I can’t even imagine what will happen if the Canadiens miss the playoffs because of the point they were robbed of by the NHL.

Even Chris Pronger poured fuel on the fire regarding the controversy.

“It will be interesting to see how the NHL explains this Rule 37.2 is pretty clear..”

– Jared Book

Did the referees even know the rule?

One thing’s for sure, we haven’t heard the last of this!