Controversial goal leads Dallas Stars to Game 3 win over Winnipeg Jets in Stanley Cup Playoffs

Hockey fans are no strangers to jaw-dropping moments, but the Dallas Stars’ dramatic Game 3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets took it to a whole new level, thanks to a goal so controversial, it has everyone questioning the integrity of the rulebook. And while the Stars were celebrating their 5-2 win, the real action was happening off the ice.With just under 17 minutes left in the game and the score tied at 2-2, Alexander Petrovic found himself in the right place at the right time, barely. After a shot from Mikko Rantanen bounced off Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Petrovic’s skate made contact with the puck, sending it skittering toward the net. At first glance, it seemed like a clear “no goal” situation, the puck had been kicked in. But hold your horses! After a mind-numbing five-minute video review, the officials declared the goal legitimate, citing that Hellebuyck’s own stick had “propelled” the puck into the net. “Propelled”? Where did that word even come from? And why is it suddenly a part of the NHL rulebook?Jets head coach Scott Arniel wasted no time calling out the decision, pointing out that the rule is clear: if a puck is kicked and it hits anyone other than the goalie, it’s not a goal. He even went as far as saying, "I haven’t seen the word 'propelled' in the rulebook," and quite frankly, he’s not wrong. The word "propelled" sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, not a hockey rulebook.Fans and pundits alike took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustrations, questioning whether the officials had accidentally slipped into an alternate dimension where the rules of logic and physics no longer apply.Petrovic, who hadn’t scored in the playoffs for nearly a decade, couldn’t help but call it a "lucky goal." And lucky it was. But whether it was a lucky goal or a blatant mistake by the officials, the timing couldn’t have been worse for the Jets. The controversial goal gave the Stars a 3-2 lead, and they didn’t look back from there.For the Jets, it felt like the rug was pulled out from under them. A game that could’ve been tied heading into the final minutes was suddenly in Dallas’ favor, and no amount of post-game interviews could take away the sting. And, let’s be honest, after five minutes of deliberation, there’s no way the call was "right." It felt like the refs were trying to justify a bad decision with an even worse explanation.Also Read: Auston Matthews admits “It Wasn’t Gonna Be Easy” as Maple Leafs stars fall flat against PanthersAs the series now heads to Dallas for Game 4, the question remains: Was this a game-changing moment or just another example of how the NHL rulebook needs a serious overhaul? One thing’s for sure: the controversy will continue to linger as the Stars look to extend their lead and the Jets look to settle the score. Either way, this moment will be remembered for more than just the final score.