Why Alex Newhook's goal counted for Canadiens even though the puck never went in the net

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Alex Newhook is having such a good playoff run for the Montreal Canadiens that he scored a goal when the puck didn't even go across the goal line.

He's now up to five postseason goals already after scoring two on Sunday night -- and that's after just 13 in the regular season.

Newhook scored a standard goal to tie the game 1-1 on Sunday, but by the next time he scored, his tally made it 6-2 Habs.

And it came with a puck that only hit off the post.

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Why did Alex Newhook's goal count?

It had to do with there being an empty net.

Newhook was in, and Buffalo committed a penalty to prevent Newhook from shooting and scoring.

It would've been a penalty shot, but because there was no goalie in the net, it counts as an awarded goal.

NewHOOK is HOOKED in all alone on the empty net so it counts!!!! 🚨

His 2nd of the game and it's 6-2!!! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/603mQgauM4

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 11, 2026

It's not one you see every day, but the referees got this one right.

It was all Canadiens on this night, in large part because Newhook is on the best scoring run of his life.