Leon Draisaitl scores the most controversial goal of the playoffs

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Julien Trekker
May 2, 2024 (2:40 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers' forward Leon Draisaitl scored the most controversial goal of the playoffs last night as his team eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in game 5.

In a powerplay, he managed to beat the Kings' goalie David Rittich with a powerful one-timer. Rittich made the save with his glove, but after a review, it was determined that the puck crossed the goal line, inside Rittich's glove.

Watch how it happened in the video below:

The Sportsnet panel debated about the NHL's decision to allow the goal, explaining why it was allowed.

With a certain angle, it's clear that the puck does cross the line, without a doubt.

Here's what Elliotte Friedman said, raising an interesting point that highlights the video reviews' issues:

" Watch this. This will convince you that it's in. You can see the puck in the webbing.

So my question is, why would a goalie use white webbing or a white glove? Why wouldn't you just use black and then you might not be able to tell that that puck is in the net.

Well, I think every goalie watching this is probably asking the same question and looking at their gloves. Because if you can't see the black puck in a black glove or black webbing, it's not conclusive."

Considering that the Oilers won by one goal, this decision had a big impact on the outcome of the game.

Rittich, who came in after three underwhelming performances in the start of the series, did a great job in game 4, allowing only one goal to the Oilers, but couldn't keep that level in game 5.

Do you think the Los Angeles Kings would've won if Leon Draisaitl's goal had been overturned?