Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and New York Rangers center Alex Wennberg (91) chase the puck during the second period on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. . New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren (55) skates toward the play. (Photo by Andy Cross/Denver Post)
Nathan MacKinnon’s pursuit of NHL history is officially over.
MacKinnon did not score in Thursday night’s 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Rangers at Ball Arena. He ended his streak of consecutive games scoring at least one point in a home game this season at 35. This is the second-longest home point streak in NHL history, and Wayne Gretzky’s standard of 40 consecutive home points is no longer in jeopardy.
There was some controversy over the end of the winning streak. Colorado State asked the NHL’s hockey operations department Thursday night to review the official score for the Avalanche’s second goal, but the league said there would be no change, the Denver Post reported.
McKinnon sent a pass to Devon Toews during the third period, and Toews’ shot went into the Rangers’ net. Normally it would have been a cut-and-dry assist, but the puck ended up hitting Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren’s stick. The goal was officially ruled an unassisted goal by Toews, as it was ruled an own goal by Lindgren.
The gray area of the NHL rulebook and its interpretation comes into play here, as the puck came off Lindgren’s stick. Rule 78.3 states: “When a player scores a goal, an ‘assist’ is awarded to the players (up to two) who touch the puck before the goalscorer, unless a defender subsequently makes a play or controls the puck. .” is stipulated.
The NHL’s hockey operations department felt that Lindgren attempted to slide the puck under goaltender Igor Shesterkin, resulting in the puck going into the net. They did not feel that Rantanen’s stick caused the goal, but rather that Lindgren put the shot in himself.
“Well, I knew right away that I didn’t touch it,” said Mikko Rantanen, the player who caused the goal when it hit Lindgren’s stick. “I guess they saw he had possession of the ball and Nate’s streak ended. That was really sad.
“I hit his stick with his backhand and it went in. I don’t know if it’s a possession for him or not. I know that’s not my goal, but maybe there should be an assist. ”
Only the Lindgren blade is in contact with the puck.
So I don’t know how they can change this pic.twitter.com/yUgL5g53ti
— Robin from AV
(@AvsRobin) March 29, 2024
And it’s even clearer when viewed from above.
My hope is that McKinnon will be replaced by Toews, but I don’t think that’s possible. The assist is not awarded and is considered an own goal. pic.twitter.com/lQI5OatEWc
— Robin from AV
(@AvsRobin) March 29, 2024
There is one gray area as to whether Lindgren had ownership. Then there’s Rule 78.4, which discusses scoring goals and ends with his two thoughts:
• “If a defensive player shoots the puck on goal, a goal is allowed. The offensive player who last touched the puck scores a goal, but is not given an assist.”
• “If a defensive player puts the puck in the goal by any other means, a goal shall be scored.” If the offensive player who last touches the puck is credited with a goal and is given an assist. there is. ”
