![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6950907.1720087793!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
This is why the Leafs' goal was disallowed in Game 5
Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly thought he scored the game-tying goal late in the second period of Friday's Game 5 loss to the Florida Panthers but a video review resulted in a no-goal decision.
Fans at Scotiabank Arena watched a video replay of the puck crossing the line and were irate that Florida retained its 2-1 lead.
Some spectators threw debris on the ice after the decision was announced. Between the review and the ensuing cleanup, play was delayed for about 10 minutes.
The NHL's Situation Room issued an explanation of the decision a short time later.
“The referee deemed the play dead prior to the puck crossing the Florida line. The call was made in accordance to Rule 78.5 (xii), which states apparent goals shall be disallowed ”when the referee deems the play has been stopped, even if he had not physically had the opportunity to stop play by blowing his whistle.“
Rielly, who scored Toronto's first goal earlier in the period, drove toward the net and appeared to slide the puck under goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky's right pad with 2:49 left in the period.
The blueliner started celebrating and skated toward the bench to touch gloves with his teammates.
“It happened quickly and obviously they reviewed it, so it is what it is,” Rielly said.
Initial replays shown on the arena's video screens were inconclusive. Eventually, a clip was shown that clearly showed the puck was a couple of centimetres over the line.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) stands with teammates after scoring, what would be ruled a disallowed goal following a video review against the Florida Panthers during second period NHL second round Stanley Cup playoff hockey action in Toronto, on Friday, May 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
'NO GOAL' was trending on Twitter after the decision.
“I thought it was in,” said Maple Leafs forward John Tavares. “I was heading to the net and I was right there. From my vantage point I thought it was in. Obviously they looked at it and had their reasoning that they explained.
“It just didn't go our way but I thought we stayed with it and obviously found the equalizer later.”
The Maple Leafs tied the game at 15:33 of the third period when William Nylander beat Bobrovsky.
But Nick Cousins scored the overtime winner to give Florida a 4-1 series victory and a berth in the Eastern Conference final.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6950941.1720092571!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Hurricane Beryl roars toward Mexico after leaving destruction in Jamaica and eastern Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl ripped off roofs in Jamaica, jumbled fishing boats in Barbados and damaged or destroyed 95 per cent of homes on a pair of islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines before rumbling toward the Cayman Islands and taking aim at Mexico's Caribbean coast after leaving at least seven dead in its wake.
NEW Is Hurricane Beryl a sign of what's to come this season?
With warmer-than-usual temperatures on the horizon this summer, a stronger and longer Atlantic storm season is ahead. A hurricane expert explains why that is and what to expect in the months ahead.
Most Canadians think Trudeau will stay on to the next election: poll
A majority of Canadians think Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will stay on to lead his party in the next election even as his approval ratings are still extremely low, a new poll suggests.
Ottawa landlord left with hefty bill after tenant trashes rental property
A landlord in Ottawa is facing thousands of dollars in repairs after his tenant left his only rental property damaged and disorderly.
If you qualify for this tax credit, you can expect a payment in your bank account this week
The next quarterly GST/HST tax credit payment is expected to go out this week, according to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Labour is hopeful and Conservatives morose as voters deliver their verdict on U.K.'s election day
British voters are picking a new government Thursday in a parliamentary election that is widely expected to bring the Labour Party to power against a gloomy backdrop of economic malaise, mounting distrust in institutions and a fraying social fabric.
Cape Breton police investigating gold-for-gas scam that targets unsuspecting drivers
Police in Cape Breton are investigating reports of a scam involving a seemingly stranded motorist flagging down drivers and offering gold jewelry in exchange for money to pay for gas or repairs.
Irish prime minister 'appalled' by Montrealer's death after alleged assault
Ireland's prime minister says he's "absolutely appalled" by an assault in the country's capital that resulted in the death of a tourist from Montreal.
'I was freaking out:' Ontario woman shocked to see black widow spider in her groceries
An Ontario woman said she was freaking out when she found a venomous black widow spider in a bag of grapes her husband had bought at Walmart earlier that day.