With 1:59 left to play, Arttu Ruotsalainen stretched his arms toward the ceiling in the Saab Arena. The Finn was sure he had equalized to make it 2–2 away against Linköping.
But after a long video review, the referee concluded that it was not a goal. Or at least that it could not be determined to be a goal.
When we look at the images, both from above and those the situation room has access to, we cannot determine whether the puck was completely over the goal line. So the initial on-ice decision stands, which was "no goal", says head referee Andreas Harnerbring to TV4 Play.
It can be assumed that it possibly crossed (the finish line). But we cannot determine that with one hundred percent certainty.
Finnkamp
What happened was that Ruotsalainen's shot was saved by fellow Finn, LHC goalie Waltteri Ignatjew. After a quick lateral movement, Ignatjew raised his glove and caught the puck, but at the same time grabbed one of the posts.
Arttu Ruotsalainen thought the puck had slipped through the net at the side - inside the goal.
"I asked 'Ruotsa' and he thought it was in, that the puck was in the net. But I don't think the goal camera shows it properly," says Frölunda coach Robert Ohlsson to TV4 Play.
Two streaks broken
Waltteri Ignatjew said it was difficult to decide.
"I got there a little late, I didn't see the pass, and then it was just about trying to do what I could. Luckily, I got the puck with my glove. But I didn't know if it was in or not," says Ignatjew.
It was a victory regardless, and the 2–1 scoreline ended two long streaks. League leaders Frölunda had won twelve straight games in the SHL up until matchday 30. In addition, the Gothenburg team had eight straight wins against Linköping.
