Wild Win in Overtime After Controversial Goal Stands Following Review
St. Paul, Minn. — A bizarre overtime goal by Marcus Johansson stood after video review, lifting the Minnesota Wild to a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators today, a result that shifts the balance in the Central Division standings.
With just over a minute remaining in overtime, Nashville goaltender Justus Annunen dislodged the net as Johansson prepared to tap in a cross-slot pass from Kirill Kaprizov. Johansson did score, putting his own rebound into the net after the initial shot was blocked by the displaced goal. Despite immediate protest from the Predators, referee Trevor Hanson signaled a goal, a call that was upheld after review by the NHL situation room. “Video review supported the referees’ call on the ice that the actions of Nashville’s Justus Annunen caused the net to be displaced prior to the puck crossing the goal line,” the league stated. Johansson admitted to confusion during the play, saying, “I had no idea, honestly…I didn’t know if we were supposed to celebrate or not.”
Predators coach Andrew Brunette questioned the ruling, stating, “I don’t think that was what he’s trying to do [knock the net off]. I thought they’d miss the net.” The incident is reminiscent of a similar goal awarded to the Anaheim Ducks’ Chris Kreider last Friday against the Detroit Red Wings, further fueling debate about Rule 63.7, which governs goals scored when a net is dislodged. Nashville forward Michael McCarron expressed strong disagreement, saying, “I don’t know how the ref can stand there with a straight face and call it a goal.”
The Wild initially took the lead on a first-period power-play goal by Kaprizov, his 32nd career game-opening goal, and extended it in the second period with a goal from Matthew Wood and a power-play goal by Zeev Buium. However, the Predators forced overtime with a dramatic tying goal by Steven Stamkos with just 0.3 seconds left in regulation. Gustavsson stopped 32 of 34 shots for Minnesota. The Wild finished a six-game homestand with a 2-2-2 record.
NHL officials confirmed the call was made in accordance with league rules, and the Wild will continue their season on a two-game road trip.
