In a pivotal game on March 15, 2023, the Nashville Predators faced a tough lesson in the modern NHL regarding the consequences of dislodging the net. The Minnesota Wild clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory in overtime, thanks to a goal from Marcus Johansson. The moment of controversy occurred when Predators goalie Justus Annunen appeared to intentionally knock the net off its moorings just as Johansson and teammate Kirill Kaprizov were closing in for a potential score.
Referees allowed the play to continue, ultimately awarding the goal after a review by the league’s officials in Toronto. According to NHL rule 63.7, a goal can be granted if a defending player displaces the net just as an attacking player has a clear opportunity to score. The referee determined that Annunen’s actions had indeed thwarted a scoring chance for the Wild, leading to the controversial decision.
Johansson expressed his own confusion following the game. “I think I saw something the other night, or not too long ago, where a goal was scored where the net was off,” he said. “I don’t know, honestly. I was standing there, the puck was there, so yeah, it felt good.”
The Predators’ locker room harbored a different sentiment. Forward Steven Stamkos, who had tied the game moments before with a one-timer, voiced his disagreement with the call. “One of the refs thought our goaltender pushed the net off on purpose and therefore denied an opportunity for them to score,” he noted. “There are two sides to everything. Our side thought obviously the net came off, but he missed the shot.”
Historically, knocking the net off typically led to a stoppage in play, a faceoff, or, in some cases, a delay of game penalty. In past decades, no rule existed that allowed a goal to be awarded in similar circumstances, often creating chaotic scenarios in tight games.
A notable example comes from the 1988 NCAA title game, where Pete Stauber, then a member of Lake Superior State, intentionally dislodged the net to prevent a goal. The game went to overtime, and Stauber played a crucial role in securing victory for his team.
More recently, incidents of dislodged nets have become increasingly scrutinized. During a 2023 Big Ten title game, University of Michigan goalie Erik Portillo faced a penalty for delay of game after multiple net dislodging incidents. Michigan officials attributed the occurrences to the design of the net anchors at the opposing arena.
The Minnesota Wild, however, were pleased to take home the two points from this encounter. “I’m happy until it happens to me,” Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson remarked with a smile, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the game.
As the NHL continues to evolve, this incident serves as a reminder of the fine line that players walk between strategy and the rules of the game. The Predators will likely reflect on this experience as they prepare for future matchups, knowing that every decision on the ice can have significant consequences.
