Should the game-winning goal in Jets and Stars Game 3 have counted?

In the 3rd period of Game 3 between the Jets and Stars, Dallas was able to take a 3-2 lead with a “controversial” goal that saw Alex Petrovic kick/direct the puck back towards the Winnipeg net. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck makes an attempt to stop the puck but ends up knocking it into his own net.

After a lengthy review it was confirmed as a good goal. Dallas would go on to win the game. This is what the ref said when giving his explanation:

“After video review the Winnipeg goalie puts the puck into his own net after a kick. It’s a good goal.”

Josh from Scouting the Refs provided some clarity on why this probably should have been disallowed:

The referee’s explanation after the fact would seem to make the guiding principal rule 49.2 ii as listed above with the key words being “excluding the goalkeeper’s stick”.

Now this was the explanation from the NHL Situation Room:

It would appear they are suggesting the word “deflects” is open to interpretation since they feel Hellebuyck propelled the puck into his own net. When you look at the dictionary definition of the word ‘deflects’ it is:

“cause (something) to change direction by interposing something; turn aside from a straight course.”

Sure seems to be what happened when the puck hit Hellebuyck’s stick.

Here is what Jets head coach Scott Arniel said after the game:

Now you could argue the Jets didn’t defend well enough in this game to win. And that’s a reasonable argument to make. But doesn’t change the fact that this controversial goal changed the game.

As an aside if Hellebuyck had enough possession to knock this puck into the goal as an “own goal” why are there two assists on the play?

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts here.