Shortly after Cory Conacher made it 4-0 for the Tampa Bay Lightning only 26 seconds into the second period of Friday night's game versus the Winnipeg Jets, it became clear that it was going to take something special for the Jets get back into the game.
Fortunately, Alex Burmistrov is capable of some special things, and as the goal was being announced, he tried to silence the cheering crowd by going top-corner on Anders Lindback. From behind the goal. Yes, it was a rare, stateside sighting of the always-beautiful lacrosse shot.
Unfortunately for Burmistrov, it didn't work, largely -- and I do mean largely -- because of who was in net.
At 6'6", Tampa goalie Anders Lindback is among the NHL's second-tallest goalie. There may have been times in life when his height seemed a bit burdensome in an NHL net, but this wasn't one of them. While most goaltenders would have to awkwardly reach up to prevent Burmistrov from tucking the puck just under the crossbar, Lindback just has to get over and stand up. When he does, the puck hits him square in the shoulder and bounces away harmlessly, preventing Burmistrov from giving the NHL its first-ever lacrosse-style goal.
Incredible presence of mind from Lindback to anticipate the move and get over, too. That's a goalie that grew up in Europe.
But seriously, thanks for nothing, Lindback. The Lighting were up 4-0. You couldn't let this one slide for the sake of the highlight reel? You ruined amazing.
Still, this play stands as evidence that the lacrosse-move has finally hit the NHL. It won't be long before it yields a goal. Prepare yourselves, people.
By "people", by the way, I specifically mean NHL scorekeepers. Burmistrov wasn't credited with a shot on goal on the play. How is that not a shot?
Follow Harrison Mooney on Twitter at @HarrisonMooney
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