Flames' season comes to an end after disallowed goal causes controversy

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A season for the Calgary Flames that began with limited expectations that gradually increased as they proved themselves on the ice ended with a Connor McDavid overtime winner as the Edmonton Oilers won the first Battle Of Alberta playoff series in 31 years on Thursday night.

The post-game conversation was equal parts McDavid’s brilliance and the disallowed goal by Blake Coleman that would have given the Flames the lead with just under six minutes left in regulation. 

Assessment is Coleman reached out with his skate and pushed the puck into the net.

Afterwards, there was confusion on the Flames –and in the hockey world–on the rule and what constituted a kicking motion. 

"I don't think I understand the rule,” Coleman said. “[I was] getting pushed, just trying to keep my foot on the ice…I felt like I was in the battle. My understanding is you can direct the puck, but you just can't kick. I didn't feel I kicked it."

“Depends on what you call a distinct kicking motion,” Flames head coach Darryl Sutter added.

Regardless of if Coleman had given the Flames another lead, the Edmonton Oilers were clearly the better team, despite allowing nine goals in the opener. 

Edmonton’s best players were their best players, while Calgary’s left something to be desired. Leon Draisaitl had three more points (17) than Calgary’s top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm, and Matthew Tkachuk combined (14). Evander Kane added five goals in five games. 

In their own zone, Calgary allowed far too much off the rush, was not nearly responsible enough defensively, and had several unforced errors and undisciplined penalties. They allowed the Oilers to come back at various points in the series, never showing the killer instinct