The controversy unfolded when Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic scored an extraordinary goal from his own end during the second period. A miscommunication led the Lightning to believe the play was dead, allowing Kovacevic to shoot at the empty net.
Despite the bizarre goal, the Lightning secured a 4-3 victory in regulation. However, a video surfaced today, revealing an angle that appears to show the referee preparing to blow the whistle, then retracting it, and instructing Kovacevic to continue playing, contrary to the players assumption that the play was stopped.
Former NHL goaltender Mike McKenna offered his thoughts of the situation blaming it on the arena DJ, who played music signaling a stopped play. While some argue that players should play until they hear a whistle, McKenna emphasized the impact of hearing music in the arena.
While questions arise about the referee's decision, it did not impact the game's outcome, with the Lightning securing the win.
