Controversial goal comes back to bite Newfoundland Growlers

Beast escape Mile One pound with series split as Growlers get set for three-game set with Komets

Newfoundland Growlers captain James Melindy (43) appears to be frustrated with Brampton Beast defenceman Chase Golightly as Growlers teammate Adam Pardy looks on during second-period ECHL play Wednesday night at Mile One Centre. - Newfoundland Growlers/Jeff Parsons

The Newfoundland Growlers allowed a controversial goal late in the second period which in the end cost them in a 2-1 ECHL loss to the Brampton Beast Wednesday night at Mile One Centre.

The setback came on the heels of a 3-0 shutout win over the Beast Tuesday. The series with Brampton marked the 12^th two-game homestand for Newfoundland this season, and Growlers have swept six of them, split five and were swept only once.

Newfoundland currently sits 30-14-2-0 on the year.

Following a scoreless opening period of play, it was the Beast opening scoring when David Vallorani beat Michael Garteig 56 second into the middle session, finishing off a play with Brandon Marino.

Garteig was given the start Wednesday with Eamonn McAdam taking the night off following a 39-save night Tuesday.

Marino, the 32-year-old 10-year pro, staked the Growlers to a 2-0 lead with his ninth of the season at the 2:05 mark, a power play tally with Vallorani drawing the assist.

It was a goal that caused much discussion, and a bit of confusion.

Marino’s shot didn’t appear to beat Garteig, and the play carried on until the final buzzer to end the period. It was at that point the Beast asked referee Matt Menniti to check with his linesman and goal judge to confirm the puck cross the goal line (the Growlers do not have video review).

Good Goal or No Goal? 👀

🔍#StandOnGuard pic.twitter.com/Fmv7KxvbCc
— Newfoundland Growlers (@NLGrowlers) February 7, 2019

The officials concurred the puck crossed the line and ruled it a goal. By this time, the Growlers had retreated to their dressing room for the second-period intermission, so the 2:05 which had to be replayed was tacked on to the third period.

Turns out that was the game-winner as the Growlers scored the only goal of the third period, Matt Bradley’s 11^th of the year.

The Growlers outshot the Beast 29-21.

Newfoundland now prepares for a rare three-game homestand against the Fort Wayne Komets Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are the fifth, sixth and seventh games in 10 days for the Growlers, who clew up their latest homestand.