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Mike Smith nearly beheaded while allowing bizarre goal (Video)

The net comes crashing down on Mike Smith.
The net comes crashing down on Mike Smith.

Mike Smith had just about the worst three-second span a goaltender could have.

In one of the most bizarre plays of the season, Panthers forward Shawn Thornton poked in his second goal of the year while the net came crashing down guillotine-style on the back of Smith’s head, tying the game 1-1.

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Smith was alright, but his stats took another hit. After a lengthy review (and a confusing few minutes) the strange-looking goal was actually allowed, as the rulebook indicates a good goal as long as the puck crosses the line before the net becomes dislodged.

NHL Rule 78.4 states:

“The goal frame shall be considered in its proper position when at least a portion of the flexible peg(s) are still inside both the goal post and the hole in the ice. The flexible pegs could be bent, but as long as at least a portion of the flexible peg(s) are still in the hole in the ice and the goal post, the goal frame shall be deemed to be in its proper position.”

Thornton, who only had one goal on the year and 41 career tallies coming into Thursday’s contest, has never been one for the pretty snipe. But this one is gritty—even for Thornton’s standards.

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