Flames’ Blake Coleman Reacts to Controversial Disallowed Goal in Game 5

The Battle of Alberta ended in the most dramatic fashion imaginable on Thursday night.

In a game that saw four goals scored in a span of just 1:11 — a record for the fastest four goals scored in a playoff game — the real drama occurred late in a 4-4 tie when Blake Coleman crashed the net and seemingly scored the go-ahead goal. 

Unfortunately for the Calgary faithful at the Scotiabank Saddledome, a three-minute review resulted in the goal being overturned and due to what the officials determined to be a kicking motion. Coleman immediately pleaded his case to the officials, but the decision stood, and Connor McDavid eventually scored the overtime goal to end the game and the series in Edmonton’s favor.

And, oh boy, the online discourse was immense. And still is. Don’t expect the discussion to go away any time soon, especially since it directly impacted a team’s season.

On the play, Coleman was heading towards the net in a battle with Oilers defenseman Cody Ceci. Coleman’s right skate collided with the pad of Edmonton goalie Mike Smith, with Coleman’s left skate knocking in the puck in the crease before Coleman and Ceci collided with the right post.

Coleman, like many, was confused about the call. The rule states that there needs to be a distinct kicking motion for a goal to count. But the argument many have is if it was distinct, why did it take so long for the call to be made?

 “I don’t think I understand the rule,” Coleman said in his post-game media availability. “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.”

The NHL’s situation room explanation didn’t offer any specifics as to why the goal was overturned, just copying the official definition in the rulebook.

“Depends what you call a distinct kicking motion,” Flames head coach Darryl Sutter said post-game. “If somebody’s on the ground and you lift your foot up, kick him in the head, that’s a distinct kicking motion.”

In the end, the Flames put themselves in a situation where they had to win no matter what last night, and they can’t blame anyone else for that. But don’t expect the fans to let Thursday night go, especially if it meant extending one of the most exciting playoff matchups we’ve seen in quite some time.