Anthony Sirelli №71 from Tampa Bay Lightning scored a goal against Darcy Kumper №35 from Colorado Avelanche. (Photo by Mike Carlson / NHLGetty Images)
It didn’t take long for Tampa Bay Lightning to get on the board in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final against Colorado Avelanche on Wednesday night. The Bolts took the lead in just 36 seconds, with the goal causing excitement on social media.
Lightning striker Anthony Sirelli bounced past Darcy Kuemper and the goal was counted, although the Avalanche goalkeeper’s mask had fallen off.
This is because according to Rule 9.6: “When a goalkeeper has lost his helmet and / or mask and […] the opposing team controls the puck, the game is stopped only if there is no immediate and impending goal opportunity. “
Kumper was still wearing his mask when Lightning striker Alex Killorn shot at him for the first time. The gloomy Avalanche player made an impressive save, but did not control the puck. Kuemper’s mask was torn down by the subsequent blow and Cirelli rushed to the rebound. The game is a perfect example of “immediate and impending goal opportunity.”
However, not everyone is aware of the rule and it did not take long for fans to react on social media.
Unlike many fans, the Avalanche coaching staff was clearly aware of the rule and did not dispute it.
The game could have been dangerous, and Kumper had already suffered a facial injury earlier in the postseason. In Game 3 of the first round series against the Nashville Predators, Ryan Johansen’s wand slipped through the protective grilles of Kuemper’s mask and caught him around the eyelid. He missed the fourth match of this series due to injury.
It was the second time in his NHL career that a blade inadvertently pierced Kumper through his mask. Understandably, he was worried about continuing to play on the first goal of Lightning in Game 4.
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