Kerry Fraser of TSN answers a few questions regarding a Thomas Vanek goal on Saturday...

Every apparent goal is reviewed by a staff member in the Situation Room in Toronto, in addition to the Video Goal Judge on site and must be confirmed as a 'good goal' prior to the next puck drop. A final decision is rendered and then communicated by the Situation Room personnel to the penalty timekeeper at ice level to issue a 'thumbs up' to the referee at centre ice. This is the signal to the ref that a 'good goal' has been determined and he is allowed to drop the puck and resume play. A 'thumbs up' is not issued until there is concrete evidence that the puck entered the net.

The quick decision to confirm the tying goal credited to Thomas Vanek as opposed to placing the play under formal review however is somewhat confusing to us based on the broadcast replays that were offered. A formal review provides additional time within the process to look at every available angle and confirm beyond even the slightest doubt that a valid goal was scored. Replays shown by various camera angles on the Hockey Night Broadcast, in addition to postgame recap on NHL Game Center Live footage create reasonable suspicion (and even a pretty clear impression) that the puck went post to crossbar and straight down onto and ahead of the goal line without ever entering the net as you suggest...

more and watch the goal below...