Steven Stamkos’ overtime goal for the Nashville Predators on Dec. 4 was unconventional, to say the least.
For one, there wasn’t a goaltender − or even a net − in front of Stamkos when he scored to give the Predators a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
Seconds before the goal, Panthers’ goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and defenseman Gustav Forsling inadvertently knocked the net off its moorings, emptying the blue ice of any obstacles. Stamkos’ shot sailed over the goal line where the net should have been, so the officials signaled a goal.
Though the officials gathered briefly, they confirmed the goal, giving the Predators their fourth win in five games.
In this case, the officials were relying on rule 63.7, which states that a goal can be awarded on a dislodged net if there’s an “imminent scoring opportunity” for the attacking team. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the Predators fell victim to it on Nov. 4 against the Minnesota Wild. That time, Predators goaltender Justus Annunen knocked the net off its post, allowing Marcus Johansson to score the overtime winner.
After fending off all six Florida power plays, Nashville erased a one goal deficit late in the third period on Ryan O’Reilly’s ninth of the season. Juuse Saros was outstanding in net, making 30 saves and earning his ninth win.
“Penalty kill and our goaltender were the difference tonight,” Stamkos told reporters. “It’s one of those games where you hang around long enough and you do the right things and you just don’t let the game get away from you.”
Stamkos added he hopes the win can be a growing moment for Nashville (10-13-4, 24 points), who remain in eight place in the Central Division.
“Just trying to string together as many wins as possible at this point,” he said.
Next up, the Predators visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 6 (6 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex atjdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.