The Minnesota Wild defeated the Nashville Predators in overtime last night — but the game-winning goal was scored in a net that wasn’t even in place. Now, fans and analysts are calling out the officials over the bizarre finish.
Both the Wild and the Predators have struggled early this season. Heading into the matchup, Nashville had just one win in its previous five games, while Minnesota had one in six. The Wild held a 2–1 lead until the final second of regulation, when Steven Stamkos tied the game with his second goal of the season.
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Minnesota Wild scored
In overtime, the Wild broke free on a rush. Marcus Johansson initially missed an open net but then scored on his own rebound. The only problem? Predators goaltender Justus Annunen had kicked the net off its moorings. After video review, the goal was upheld — giving the Wild the win and leaving the Predators furious with the officials’ decision.
”What the f*ck?”
Fans and analysts couldn’t believe the call.
“I don’t get how this could have possibly counted. Johansson missed the open net to begin with. Don’t blame the Predators for being furious,” NHL writer Pierre LeBrun posted on X.
“This was insanity. At a bare minimum, give him a delay of game penalty — but to award a goal after the play had all but stopped is insane,” one fan wrote.
“This is bush league stuff we wouldn’t even allow while playing street hockey as kids. What the f*ck,” another added.
The NHL rules
However, officials cited Rule 63.7, which states that if a defending player, deliberately or accidentally, displaces the goal post before the puck crosses the goal line between where the posts would normally be positioned, the goal should count.
“The actions of Nashville’s Justus Annunen caused the net to be displaced prior to the puck crossing the goal line. Therefore, the referees awarded Minnesota’s Marcus Johansson a goal,” the league explained in an official statement.
You can watch the disputed goal below.
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