Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw's soccer-style header was disallowed as the game-winning goal in OT of Tuesday's Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, but it was still an impressive play nonetheless.
Patrick Kane's shot from close range bounced off the shoulder of Anaheim Ducks goaltender Frederik Andersen and straight up into the air. Shaw saw it, jumped up and delivered a headbutt to knock the puck into the net.
The "heads-up" play by Shaw was fun to watch, but the officials had to check the rulebook to see if the move was legal. Thanks to Puck Daddy, we have the details as to why the goal was disallowed, and it looks like the officials got the call right:
According to rule 78.5 section (i):
Disallowed Goals – Apparent goals shall be disallowed by the Referee and the appropriate announcement made by the Public Address Announcer for the following reasons:
(i) When the puck has been directed, batted or thrown into the net by an attacking player other than with a stick.
The Blackhawks eventually scored the real game-winner in the third overtime for the 3-2 victory to tie the series at 1-1.
[SportsNetCanada] H/T PD.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
