from Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun,
Forget the curse, most fans now consider it a conspiracy.
In the midst of a gutsy Game 2 effort by the Calgary Flames that had all the makings of a storybook comeback, the visitors’ momentum was stymied by a controversial call midway through the second period.
And, ultimately, it essentially cost them the game.
Midway through a 2-2 game that had the Flames carrying plenty of momentum, a goalmouth scrum involving Alex Chiasson and Sam Bennett saw the puck cross the goal line just before the net was dislodged as part of a furious scramble.
No one celebrated as the chaotic scene had many confused while goalie John Gibson fished the puck out of the net.
Referee Brian Pochmara had ruled it no goal but the game was paused as the NHL’s Situation Room took a peek.
Viewers at home had reason to believe it would be overruled, to no avail.
Seeking clarification on the call, NHL senior VP Hockey Operations, Mike Murphy, told Postmedia how it went down.
“We reviewed the play because the puck went into the net,” said Murphy in an email.
“We checked to make sure the net was on, which it was. The refs, however, informed us that they had NO GOAL on the ice because (Anaheim goalie John) Gibson was bumped in the crease and unable to play his position. That is their call and the play is not reviewable, so their call on the ice rules.”
"The whistle didn't go and the puck was in the net," said Matt Stajan. "The explanation they gave us was goalie interference but we don't really know, I haven't seen the replay."
Below, watch the no-goal and game highlights...
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