The Vancouver Canucks extended their season with a 2-1 win over the Vegas Black Knights on Tuesday night, but some sports bettors are arguing that Bo Horvat should have been given credit for an empty net buzzer-beater that would have made the scoreline 3-1.
Horvat, who leads all scorers in the playoffs with nine goals, turned and shot from the blue line with under a second remaining, and found the back of the net just as time expired. According to the NBCSN broadcast graphic – which is not official – the puck could clearly be seen across the line with time left on the clock. The shot also appeared to cross the line before the green light behind the goal was lit at the end of the period, or before the horn sounded.
I know the game clock on television doesn't always *precisely* match the official game clock, but it was pretty clear in building that Bo Horvat beat the buzzer too.
I'd bet the #Canucks' win goes down in the books, ultimately as a 3-1 victory: pic.twitter.com/asLiC8qlrQ
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) September 2, 2020
The clock on the Sportsnet broadcast was well off the NBC graphic, though, and showed that time clearly expired before the shot arrived at the goal line.
That last horvat goal should count. Clearly goes in prior to green light going on to indicate the end of the period #canucks pic.twitter.com/S8YJILJNQ2
— Robby (@Dosange) September 2, 2020
More footage showing an overhead camera synced up with the official NHL showed that the puck was in the crease as time expired, but had not crossed the line.
Overhead. Clock on the TV ticker bar is not official. pic.twitter.com/zUdDty99zw
— Gives No Pucks – Wash your filthy mitts. (@afewpucksshort) September 2, 2020
In any event, the goal was not counted, and the Canucks officially won the game 2-1 instead of 3-1 – which cost some bettors a lot of people money.
Canucks reverse puckline -1.5 to compete the parlay. Oof if that empty-net goal was not reviewed to make absolutely certain it did not beat the clock. https://t.co/fvZuCTijWH
— Patrick Everson (@Covers_Vegas) September 2, 2020
Count that Horvat goal @NHL @bet365!! 0.2 left on the clock! pic.twitter.com/1UaZulFzqT
— Shamsher Ali (@shamsher_a) September 2, 2020
Placed this bet at the start of the 3rd period. The time expires as Bo Horvat shoots on the empty net. Just my luck. At least the canucks still won. pic.twitter.com/YP6dYDx19x
— Chirping Canuck (@ChirpingCanuck) September 2, 2020
