Should it have counted? Nelson awarded goal after shoving Price

Watch as the New York Islanders score and are awarded a goal after the Montreal Canadiens challenge that Carey Price was interfered with.

There was a brief bit of controversy early in the game between the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders.

Just over halfway through the first period, Islanders forward Brock Nelson was standing in front of the crease of Canadiens goalie Carey Price when John Tavares fired a shot from just outside the top of the slot.

Nelson gave Price a small shove, causing the puck to bounce off Price’s body and the Islanders forward hammered in the rebound from the side of the net.

The goal was challenged by the Canadiens, but the refs didn’t think there was enough evidence of goalie interference to overturn the initial call.

Here’s the explanation from the NHL’s situation room:

After reviewing all available replays and consulting with NHL Hockey Operations staff, the referee confirmed no goaltender interference infractions occurred before the puck crossed the goal line.

Therefore the original call stands: good goal New York Islanders.

Since the Coach’s Challenge did not result in the original call being overturned, the Montreal Canadiens forfeit their time-out.

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