Bobby McMann’s dream came true, but it was quickly taken away from him.
In the first period of Thursday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie, playing in his second NHL game, thought he scored his first career goal just seconds into the game. What seemed like an incredible story quickly confused those in the arena and those watching on TV.
McMann deftly kicked the puck and fired a tight shot with his stick, only to be hit by Detroit defender Olly Murta and knocked into the back of the net. He was then called back and ruled ‘no goals’.
Rule 49.2 The next part of the NHL rulebook goes into a little more detail. “Attacking A goal must not be scored by his player kicking the puck and the puck diverting into the net from a player, goalkeeper or official.”
McMann deliberately kicked the puck in an attempt to hit the stick, which came off the Maata and into the depths of the net, which, though incidentally, was not properly allowed.
we all distinct kick motion It could be a rule, but before this ruling, few people knew this was illegal. The world of hockey took note, like the call of interference in .
McMann, 26, has eight goals and seven assists in 17 appearances for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies this season. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound Wainwright, Alberta native was named AHL Player of the Week on Monday and has scored six points in his three games so far. He finished second with the Marleys last season with 24 goals.
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