Major: NHL Referee Caught Rigging Game In Favor Of Montreal Canadiens

Last night we saw one of the most unusual goals in recent memory as the Canadiens scored what was effectively an empty net goal despite the fact that both goalies were still on the ice. The series of events that lead to the goal are somewhat suspicious.

Canadiens Score Bizarre Empty Net Goal In Second Period

The play came about half way through the second period of Montreal's match against the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. Quite an unusual spot in the game to score an empty net goal. Unfortunately for Lightning goaltender Jonas Johansson, it will officially go down as a goal against him despite the fact that he was skating towards the boards, a common practice for NHL goaltenders during stoppages in play.

The play came after a Lighting shot on goal was stopped by Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault. While everyone on the ice assumed the play had been blown dead, the referee never blew the whistle and the goaltender quickly moved the puck to defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic, who shot the puck all the way down the ice into the net that had been vacated by Jonas Johansson.

Referee Caught Encouraging Canadiens To Keep The Play Alive

The play was beyond unusual. In fact, new evidence shows that there may have been bad intent from the back referee, who should have been the one blowing the whistle. Instead, he can be seen motioning with his right hand towards the Canadiens players to keep the puck moving despite the fact that it seemed like it was a normal stoppage after the shot on goal.

As many pointed on on X, the players on the ice believed the play was dead as the in arena staff starting playing music and turned on the lights that they use during stoppages in play. Former NHL goaltender Mike McKenna explained the situation.

While this situation is certainly funny, it is a bad look for the league as no goal should ever really be scored like this. On the other hand, it could be argued that this is like a hidden ball trick in baseball and the Lighting should have been aware of the situation.

In the end though, it did not matter as the Lightning went on to defeat the Habs 4-3 in regulation. Luckily we can just have a good laugh about it now.

As seen on NHL Scandal Exposed: Referee Caught on Camera Rigging Game in Lightning vs. Canadiens Match

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