The Florida Panthers scored the all-important first goal in Game 6 against the New York Rangers, but should it have even counted?

Sam Bennett was able to scoop up the puck in the neutral zone and played a give-and-go with Evan Rodrigues as he placed a perfect shot top corner past Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin.

However, just before Bennett got the puck, Rodrigues knocked down a Rangers clearing attempt with his stick before he played it over to his linemate. After Bennett scored, Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette was taking a second look at the play.

The official in line with the play clearly waived it off but it appears as if the puck was above Rodrigues’ shoulder and no Rangers player touches it before he plays it to Bennett.

Here is how the NHL rulebook outlines high stick stoppage based on Rule 80.1:

“Batting the puck above the normal height of the shoulders with a stick is prohibited. When a puck is struck with a high stick and subsequently comes into the possession and control of a player from the offending team (including the player who made contact with the puck), either directly or deflected off any player or official, there shall be a whistle.”

According to the rulebook, the play may continue if the puck was batted to an opponent.

Unfortunately, the Rangers also didn’t have the option to challenge for high stick because the only way for a coach’s challenge to be used is if there was a missed stoppage in the offensive zone that led to a goal. Since Rodrigues was in the neutral zone when he touched the puck, the play was not reviewable.

This isn’t the first time that high sticking has been a central discussion in this series. Back in Game 2, Barclay Goodrow batted a puck out of the air in the neutral zone that led to the overtime winner.

Much like the Bennett goal, the play was not reviewable because it did not occur in the offensive zone.

In a controversial turn of events during the recent game between the Florida Panthers and their opponents, many fans and analysts are questioning whether a high stick stoppage was missed by the officials before the Panthers’ goal.

The play in question occurred in the third period, with the Panthers trailing by one goal. As the Panthers entered the offensive zone, a player appeared to make contact with the puck above the height of the crossbar, which would normally result in a stoppage of play. However, the officials allowed the play to continue, and the Panthers were able to capitalize on the opportunity and score a crucial goal.

Replays of the incident have sparked debate among fans and experts, with some arguing that the high stick should have been called and the goal disallowed. Others believe that the officials made the right call in allowing play to continue, as the contact with the puck may have been unintentional or inconclusive.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the officials on the ice, who must make split-second judgments in fast-paced and high-pressure situations. While missed calls are a part of any sport, they can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game, as was evident in this particular instance.

As fans continue to dissect and debate the controversial play, one thing is certain: officiating will always be a hot topic in sports, and calls like these will continue to spark discussion and controversy among players, coaches, and fans alike.