Some minor controversy at the end of the Maple Leafs-Blackhawks game Saturday on Chicago’s overtime goal.
As Artemi Panarin hits the blue line with the puck, his skates cross the line first, which of course is legal. You are allowed to cross the blue line ahead of the puck provided you have control of it.
The debate, though, began after it appeared Panarin passed the puck before it hit the blue line, therefore “losing” possession of it and making him offside. However, there is a line under NHL Rule 83.1 that seems to allow this play, provided Panarin had control of the puck when his skates crossed the line, which he clearly did.
The rule reads:
“However, a player actually controlling the puck who shall cross the line ahead of the puck shall not be considered ‘off-side,’ provided he had possession and control of the puck prior to his skates crossing the blue line.”
By this wording, the play is deemed onside from the moment Panarin’s skates cross the line with possession, therefore making the question of whether or not he passed the puck before it hit the blue line moot.
Get all that?
The Hockey Night in Canada panel touched on the play afterwards as well.
“By rule Panarin has control of the puck when he goes over the line so therefore he’s onside,” said Elliotte Friedman. “People asking, ‘well he passed it maybe before the puck went over the line,’ There’s nothing in the rulebook that says that move is illegal.”
Added Nick Kypreos: “It’s not about the puck, it’s about where his feet are. They are over the blue line and if he’s in control then it’s onside.”
Leafs coach Mike Babcock was asked about the play after the game and had no problem with it.
Turns out there’s no controversy at all.
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