The Sabers got the goal back against the Maple Leafs and received a major penalty instead

You’d be hard-pressed to find a team that’s been through more than the Buffalo Sabres.

The final gut punch came less than three minutes into the first period against Toronto, when Sabers forward Jason Zucker moved the puck into the zone and set up a beautiful passing play that led to a goal by Alex Tuch and a 1-1 tie. led to a draw.

However, the goal was disallowed by the officials because Zucker attacked Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev with a high stick just seconds before Tuch hit the net.

The penalty was awarded by a linesman who informed the referees of the high stick as soon as play ended and blood was seen.

Rule 32.4 of the NHL Rules states: “If a linesman witnesses an infraction by an attacking player (unnoticed by the referees) before the attacking team scores a goal, the linesman shall report to the referees what he observed, and that “Goal must be made.” will not be recognized and the appropriate penalty will be imposed.”

The rule goes on to say that a linesman should only stop play in a high-stick situation “if it is obvious that an injury was caused by a high-stick that went undetected by the referees and the judgement of a double minor.” Penalty.”

Rule 78.5, “Disallowed Goals,” further defines the situation that unfolded Friday: “When a linesman reports to the referee a double minor penalty for high sticking, a major penalty, or a match penalty after scoring a goal. “The goal must be annulled against the offending team and the appropriate penalty must be imposed.”

Although Zucker was penalized with a four-minute double minor for high sticking, the lack of an apparent injury to Tanev meant the linesman had to finish the play.

The Maple Leafs took advantage of their four-minute man advantage with Auston Matthews scoring a power play goal for a 2-0 lead.