“Assist on OT win” – Fans confused when Lightning score after Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper lost his mask

“Assist on OT win” – Fans confused when Lightning score after Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper lost his mask

Darcy Kuemper assists on OT win in Game 4

As soon as Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final started, the Lightning went ahead for the first attack to get on board against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. The Tampa Bay Lightning took the lead with just 36 seconds in the game which caused an uproar on social media. Lightning forward Antony Cirelli shot a rebound past the Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper and the goal was counted even though Darcy’s mask had fallen off.

According to Rule No. 9.6 in NHL, “When a goalkeeper has lost his helmet and/or face mask and […] the opposing team has control of the puck, play shall only be stopped if there is no immediate and impending scoring opportunity.” Although Kuemper had his mask on when Lightning forward, Alex Killorn shot the first shot at him, the netminder made an impressive save but could not control the puck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx7EecN_xKY&t=44s

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Darcy Kuemper assisted in the OT winner as the first NHL goaltender

Darcy Kuemper assists on OT win in Game 4
Darcy Kuemper assists on OT win in Game 4

Darcy Kuemper’s mask fell off as he couldn’t control the puck even after saving it and his mask got knocked away while Cirelli pounced on the rebound. According to NHL rules, this play called for the perfect example of an “immediate and impending scoring opportunity.” As per yahoo.com, however, this rule is not known to everybody, but the fans soon blew it on social media which made it go viral.

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The Avalanche coaching staff were clearly aware of this rule so they didn’t kick a fuss about it. Undoubtedly the play could have been dangerous as Darcy had already suffered from a facial injury earlier in the postseason. It was the second time in his NHL career that an inadvertent stick blade poked through Darcy Kuemper’s mask. So it’s understandable that he was concerned about continuing his play after the Lightning’s first goal of Game 4.

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