A controversial empty-net goal is scored by the Canadiens in the second period
What an extraordinary way to close out the year.
Sunday night delivered what could possibly be remembered as the most peculiar goal scored in the National Hockey League throughout the 2023 calendar year, just hours before transitioning to 2024.
This unexpected goal occurred a bit past the halfway mark during the Montreal Canadiens versus Tampa Bay Lightning game at Amalie Arena on Sunday night. It took place following what seemed like a pause in the game, where the officials had not signaled an end to play.
Almost everyone in the arena believed the play had ceased, except Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who swiftly urged his teammates to seize the opportunity. As a result, they capitalized on the situation, scoring a highly unusual empty-net goal in the middle of the second period.
While technically there was a goalie present on the ice, he was far from the net at that moment, as the entire Lightning team acted as if they were heading for a break.
Here's a glimpse of the replay capturing this truly bizarre sequence:
| POLL | ||
1 JANVIER | 132 ANSWERS A controversial empty-net goal is scored by the Canadiens in the second period Is this the strangest goal you have seen this season? | ||
| Yes | 95 | 72 % |
| No | 37 | 28 % |
| List of polls | ||
