Wild beat Predators with controversial OT winner after goalie kicks net off

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2 in overtime Tuesday after scoring the game-winner in controversial fashion.

Marcus Johansson was awarded the OT goal after Predators goaltender Justus Annunen knocked the net off its mooring, even though Johansson missed the initial opportunity with the near post still intact.

However, Johansson was awarded the goal because it was determined that Annunen caused the net to be displaced before the puck eventually crossed the line.

Section 63.7 of the NHL rulebook states "in the event that the goal post is displaced, either deliberately or accidentally, by a defending player, prior to the puck crossing the goal line between the normal position of the goalposts, the referee may award a goal. In order to award a goal in this situation, the goal post must have been displaced by the actions of a defending player, the attacking player must have an imminent scoring opportunity prior to the goal post being displaced, and it must be determined that the puck would have entered the net between the normal position of the goal posts."

Predators head coach Andrew Brunette disagreed with the ruling.

"The explanation was, in (the referee's) opinion, it was a goal," Brunette told reporters postgame. "I disagree with his opinion, but that's the way it is… Just by the physics of pushing, I don't think (Annunen was trying to knock the net off). I thought they'd miss the net. If the net didn't dislodge, it wouldn't have ended up being in the net. Unfortunately, they didn't see it the same way and you move on."

Forward Steven Stamkos shared his coach's opinion.

"I don't think there was any intent from our goaltender to knock it off - it came off twice today," Stamkos said. "From our vantage point - obviously going to differ from theirs - but we thought the puck came back to him on the second attempt because the net was off. If not, the puck goes behind the net, and we live to fight another day. So that's where we didn't agree with the call."

The game only went to overtime because Stamkos notched the equalizer in the final second of regulation with a dramatic buzzer beater.

It's the second straight OT loss for the Predators, and the fifth defeat in their last six games overall.