SAN JOSE -- Before the Sharks could score their first goal of Game 7 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoffs series, the Vegas Golden Knights scored theirs -- but not without a review.
Exactly halfway through the second period of Game 7 on Tuesday, Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin redirected a shot past Sharks goaltender Martin Jones to give Vegas a 2-0 lead.
Eakin's stick appeared to be in line with the crossbar behind Jones, prompting a review from the officials and a call to the situation room in Toronto. Replay angles appeared … close, to say the least.
Potential high-touch?
It's being reviewed.#SJSharks #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/kVyBT6BiXy— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) April 24, 2019
The officials ultimately upheld the call, and the NHL said video evidence supported the decision. The league cited Rule 38.4 (vi), and noted that the "determining factor is where the puck makes contact with the stick." Eakin's stick might have been above the crossbar, but the part the puck hit was not.
Sports
Here is the explanation from the NHL situation room on Cody Eakin's goal in the 2nd period to put the Knights up 2-0. #VegasBorn #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/nkSz51btR6— David Schoen 📰🗞🏒 (@DavidSchoenLVRJ) April 24, 2019
giving the Golden Knights a critical 2-0 lead. Prior to Game 7, no team in the series had overcome a deficit to win, let alone take a lead.
If the Sharks are going to advance to the second round, they'll have to be the first one to do it.
