1999 Stanley Cup Finals - "No Goal"

"No Goal"

The phrase "No Goal" is associated with a controversial goal scored by Brett Hull of the Dallas Stars in the 1999 Stanley Cup Final. When Hull scored his series-clinching goal in triple overtime of game six his foot was in the crease but the puck was not. Subsequent to the series ending goal, the NHL claimed to have sent out a memo clarifying the "skate in the crease" rule that allowed goals in instances where the goalscorer maintained control (not possession) of the puck prior to entering the crease. On this play Hull kicked the puck with his left skate (while still outside of the crease) into a shooting position. Others have pointed out that similar plays were called differently during the regular season. Many Buffalo fans felt that this call was incorrectly made and the term "No Goal!" became their rallying cry. The rule that led to this controversy no longer exists in the NHL, however, as shortly after it was removed from the rule book.

Hull's goal ended the series and the Stars were awarded the Stanley Cup. At the time, even Dallas Morning News hockey writer Keith Gave questioned the legality of the goal. NHL officials, however, maintained that Hull's two shots at the goal constituted a single possession of the puck since the puck deflected off Hasek, and their ruling stood, noting that they were going to change the rule the following year anyway. NHL Director of Officiating Bryan Lewis said there was no crease violation because "Hull had possession of the puck when his skate entered the crease."