Controversial goalie interference call boosts Panthers’ playoff hopes

The Predators had a chance to clinch the Central Division title Tuesday in Florida but a goaltender interference call in the waning seconds kept the Panthers' slim playoff hopes alive.

Nashville's Filip Forsberg appeared to tie the game at two with 0.5 remaining but after review it was waved off despite being called a goal on the ice. Refs ruled Viktor Arvidsson interfered with Florida goalie Roberto Luongo on the play.

Apparently this is goalie interference. Filip Forsberg ties things up with 0.5 remaining and after review it gets called off after being called a good goal on the ice. #Preds pic.twitter.com/ebj9bKQwsU

— AtoZSports Nashville (@AtoZSports) April 4, 2018

“Either the refs don’t know or Toronto doesn’t know. They’re definitely not on the same page," Forsberg told reporters after the game.
The Panthers (41-30-8) will take the 2-1 win no matter how they got it. Florida would have been eliminated from the playoffs with a regulation loss to Nashville, a New Jersey win and points from both Philadelphia and Columbus.

Florida, behind a season-high 45 saves from Roberto Luongo, avoided elimination for now. They face the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins Thursday.

Florida is four points behind Flyers for second wild card and five behind Devils for first wild card.

Florida has 3 games left: BOS, BUF, BOS.

Flyers have 2 left: CAR, NYR

Devils have 2 left: TOR, WSH.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 4, 2018