Blake Coleman admits he doesn't understand the NHL's rules

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S. Harper
May 28, 2022 (10:35)

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The Calgary Flames feel dumbfounded after the controversial no goal call, that cost them the lead in Game 5. The call in the ice signalled a good goal and the Flames felt like there wasn't sufficient evidence to overturn the call. But there was enough for the NHL's Situation Room.

The league gave the following reasoning:

Video review determined Calgary's Blake Coleman kicked the puck into the Edmonton net. According to Rule 49.2, "A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who uses a distinct kicking motion to propel the puck into the net with his skate/foot."

The Oilers would eventually win the game, 5:03 into overtime off of a shot by Connor McDavid, which beat Jakob Markstrom. After the game both Flames' Head Coach, Darryl Sutter and Blake Coleman didn't agree with the call or the the explanation they were given afterwards.

Well, it depends on what you call a distinct kicking motion. Somebody's on the ground, and you lift your foot up, kick them in the head, it's a distinct kicking motion. You put slide your foot in the ground, it's not a distinct kicking motion. Whatever. - Darryl Sutter

I don't think i understand the rule. Getting pushed, just trying to keep my foot on the ice. I haven't watched it enough. But In live speed, it felt like i was in a battle. My understanding is you can direct the puck but you just can't kick it. And I didn't feel that I kicked it. Can't go back and change it now. It is what it is.

I opened my foot, but my understanding is you can redirect the puck off your foot as long as you're not redirecting it and kicking it into the net. But like I said, I'll go watch it again. Maybe it's glaringly obvious but I just don't feel like I did what it looks like. - Blake Coleman

Here's the explanation on the topic from the NHL's most recent rulebook: