Because the Senators had an off-the-board goal to beat Betherson

The game came halfway through the first period and the Senators and New Jersey Devils were tied 1-1. As Betherson battled Dougie Hamilton at the side of the net, a point shot bounced off Jakub Markstrom and back into the corner. The puck hit Betherson in the leg, then hit Markstrom in the back of the leg and into the net.

After a lengthy review, officials determined that Batterson had hit Markstrom before hitting him and therefore the goal did not count.

In a statement provided to Bruce Geroch of Postmedia, the NHL cited Rule 49.2 which states that “a goal may not be scored by an attacking player who uses a specific kicking motion to catch the net with his skate/foot,” then further cited Subsection (i) which added “any kick of a team ending the game. (goalkeeper) shall not be awarded a goal.”

The Senators would eventually take a 2-1 lead into the first period but the teams went into the break tied 2-2 after a late goal by the Devils.