In a crunch moment during Game 2 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, a big officiating decision sparked criticism for the referees from NHL fans on social media.

With only five minutes remaining in the third period, Vegas forward Pavel Dorofeyev put the puck in the back of the net after a front scuffle to give his team a 3-2 lead.

But the referee on top of the play had sounded the whistle just seconds earlier, waiving it off for a goalie interference on Carolina’s Frederik Andersen.

Head coach John Tortorella of the Golden Knights challenged it, but to no avail. Afterwards, Jesse Granger of The Athletic wrote on his official X account, explaining the NHL's decision.

“Explanation from the NHL on the no-goal call: The ruling on the play was goaltender interference. He waived it (off) immediately," Granger wrote. "He believed that it was under the goalie and the Vegas player went after the puck and interfered with the goalie and his ability to freeze the puck and waived it off immediately.”

The resultant penalty kill situation for Vegas led to an immediate power play goal for Carolina, courtesy of their captain and center, Jordan Staal, in the third period. He secured a vital 3-2 advantage for his team at 15:25 in front of their home fans at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC.

With just 1:21 left on the clock, the Golden Knights captain, Mark Stone, responded with an equaliser, to force overtime with a 3-3 score line.

But ultimately, the Hurricanes won the game 4-3 with a Seth Jarvis goal at 3:56 in overtime, to level the Stanley Cup Final 1-1.

What did the NHL fans say about officiating decisions in Game 2?

​NHL fans were far from impressed with the disallowed goal for the Vegas Golden Knights against the Carolina Hurricanes. They let their feelings be known in the comments section of Jesse Granger’s post on X.

“Absolutely garbage call and even worse explanation,” said a fan, mincing no words for the officiating from the referees.

"NHL officiating embarrassment on Goaltender Interference. Again and again and again. Clean up your act. Standardize the foul. The broadcasters literally laughing at the explanation," noted another fan about the entire play.

Another fan offered a differing analysis, stating that the play was legal.

"And that’s fine for the on the ice call, but clearly upon review the puck was loose and shot under Anderson, which makes its way in. Should’ve been overturned and a good goal," they wrote.

One fan criticized NHL Commissioner Bettman and his take on referees.

“Joke of nhl. What's with bettman thinking refs are best in all of sports,” they wrote.

One of the league supporters shared a balanced take on the situation, putting no one at fault.

“I can see how the ref couldn't see the puck from his angle, closing in on the net, but it was loose, Barbashev had every right to take a stab. Should be a goal,” they explained.

In the postgame interview, the Golden Knights head coach, John Tortorella, stood by his failed challenge.

“This was actually a good challenge by Vegas. That puck is alive and loose. That is Barbashev's stick going for the puck. That's a poor decision by the NHL situation room,” a fan wrote, seemingly justifying Tortorella.

Is officiating in the Stanley Cup Final primed for this level of criticism in the remaining games as well? Share your prediction in the comments.

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Sijo Paul