The play came halfway through the first period with the Senators and New Jersey Devils tied 1-1. As Batherson battled with Dougie Hamilton to the side of the net, a point shot rebounded off Jacob Markstrom and into the corner. The puck hit Batherson in the foot, then hit Markstrom in the back of the leg and landed in the net.
After a lengthy review, officials determined that Batherson had kicked the puck before it hit Markstrom and therefore the goal didn’t count.
In a statement provided to Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch, the NHL cited Rule 49.2 which states “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,” then further cited subection (i) which adds “A kicked puck that deflects off the body of any player of either team (including the goalkeeper) shall be ruled no goal.”
The Senators would eventually take a 2-1 lead later in the first period but the teams headed into the intermission tied 2-2 after a late goal by the Devils.
