Phoenix Coyotes lose to Buffalo Sabres on fluke overtime goal

When the Phoenix Coyotes headed to overtime against the Buffalo Sabres after losing a late third-period lead Monday, they didn’t have any idea of what was to come in overtime.

On one of the flukiest plays in recent memory, Coyotes goalie Mike Smith made a save, only to have the puck fly straight in the air and land in his pants. But because he couldn’t find the puck, Smith instinctually shot back toward the net, unknowingly carrying the puck across the goal line for the game winner.

Here’s the NHL’s explanation of the goal:

At 3:47 of overtime in the Coyotes/Sabres game, video review supported the referee’s call on the ice that Mark Pysyk’s shot deflected into the air and landed in goaltender Mike Smith’s equipment and, while attempting to make the save, Smith’s momentum propelled him and the puck completely across the goal line. Good goal Buffalo.

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