MONTREAL — A goal scored by the Buffalo Sabres in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens was first confirmed and then overturned following two separate video reviews, leading to a nearly 10-minute stoppage.
With the Sabres leading 1-0 at 8:01 of the first period, rookie Konsta Helenius, making his playoff debut, drove the puck toward the net, entered the Canadiens’ crease, and left the puck in front of Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobeš. Sabres forward Jack Quinn then arrived and backhanded the puck into Dobeš’ glove, initially ruled a save.
During a television timeout, replays suggested the puck had crossed the goal line while inside Dobeš’ glove. Referee Kelly Sutherland announced a review. Minutes later, referee TJ Luxmore skated to center ice and confirmed the goal.
However, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis challenged the play for goaltender interference, citing contact between Helenius and Dobeš as Helenius skated through the crease. The goal was reviewed again and ultimately overturned. The NHL situation room determined that Helenius’ contact with Dobeš’ stick while moving through the crease had opened up the goaltender.
The entire review process took nearly 10 minutes without a second of game time elapsing.
Just over two minutes after the goal was disallowed, Canadiens forward Alex Newhook scored to tie the game 1-1.