The Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars were tied at two goals apiece in the third period of Game 3 before a lengthy review call determined that Alexander Petrovic kicked the puck towards the goal, and Connor Hellebuyck propelled it into his net.
The goal gave the Stars the lead for the third time in the game, and they used the momentum to put the game out of reach. Mikko Rantanen would double the Stars’ lead less than a minute later before Wyatt Johnston put the game to rest.
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“The puck was kicked, but (Hellebuyck) directed it into the net. The rule states that if the puck gets kicked, if it hits a body or a stick of anybody else but the goaltender, it counts as a goal. It hit our goaltender’s stick and went into the net,” said a displeased HC Scott Arniel.
“That is no goal. They said that (Hellebuyck) propelled the puck in. I haven’t seen the word ‘propel’ in the rule book.”
Although the call was a game-changer, there was no reason for the Jets to let it be a backbreaker. They had numerous opportunities to take the lead throughout the game but failed to capitalize on them. The Jets had four power play opportunities and did not convert on any of them.
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Once again, the Stars created far more high-danger chances at 5-on-5, according to Natural Stat Trick, the Stars held 67.13% of the expected goals and held a 16-7 high-danger chances advantage.
Additionally, the road struggles for Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele continued. Hellebuyck has allowed five or more goals in all four road games this postseason, and Scheifele is yet to record a point on the road.
The goal call changed the game’s trajectory, but the Jets did not do enough to warrant a road victory.
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