Try bad goal of the year.

Posted by Hootinani from the parade following Babs out of town on 03/23/18 at 07:34 AM ET

You have to wonder why the ref didn’t whistle the play dead when he clearly lost sight of the puck.

If it isn’t worst goal of the year, it certainly is the funniest.

Posted by evileye on 03/23/18 at 09:31 AM ET

Agreed evil, we have seen the play blown dead when the puck gets stuck in someone’s equipment so the same should have happened here.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 03/23/18 at 09:32 AM ET

Chip Alexander of the News & Observer,

Ward quickly returned to the net, regaining his position, jabbing his right skate behind him and just past the goal line. The problem for the Canes: the puck was lodged in Ward’s right skate.

The referees had no choice but go to a review. The ruling: the puck crossed the goal line — albeit in the goalie’s skate — before play was whistled dead at 8:27 of the first period. Arizona goal.

The Canes’ bench was livid, especially assistant coach Rod Brind’Amour. Their argument was that the referee closest to the play should have blown the play dead immediately when he couldn’t spot the puck.

Replays show the referee with his arms spread wide, as if as confused as everyone else.

“I’ve had some bad bounces throughout my career but I think certainly that tops the list,” Ward said. “I can sit here and pretend it didn’t bother me but it did bother me.

“I mean, you battle all season long, you compete, and then a bounce like that happens (and) it doesn’t seem fair at the time. But the guys competed and capitalized on our opportunities. It wasn’t exactly a goaltending battle, both ways, out there.”

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 03/23/18 at 09:36 AM ET