Columbus Blue Jackets' Mathieu Olivier Awarded Goal After Slash

Olivier was credited with a goal after drawing a slash with the opposing net empty.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier was awarded a goal in a 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils after out-hustling Dougie Hamilton to a loose puck and drawing a slash from the Devils defenseman with New Jersey's net empty. The goal was awarded per NHL Rule 25.1, which states that a goal will be awarded to the attacking team when the opposing team has taken their goalkeeper off the ice and an attacking player has possession and control of the puck in the neutral or attacking zone, without a defending player between himself and the opposing goal, and he is prevented from scoring as a result of an infraction committed by the defending team.

Why it matters

This case highlights the NHL's rules around awarding goals when the opposing team has pulled their goaltender, and how officials can use their discretion to award a goal in certain situations to prevent the defending team from gaining an unfair advantage.

The details

Olivier spotted the loose puck sliding back toward the Devils' end with Hamilton sauntering back to get it. He turned it into a race, won it after cutting in front of Hamilton and received a slash. Olivier immediately turned to look for the goal signal and was pleased to see referee Liam Maaskant award the goal. Olivier's two-goal performance was his second of the season and fourth in his NHL career.

  • The goal was scored on February 3, 2026 during a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils.

The players

Mathieu Olivier

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who was awarded a goal after drawing a slash from the opposing team with the net empty.

Dougie Hamilton

A defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who was called for slashing Mathieu Olivier, resulting in the goal being awarded to the Blue Jackets.

Liam Maaskant

The referee who awarded the goal to Mathieu Olivier after determining the play met the criteria outlined in NHL Rule 25.1.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I knew that he was most likely going to give it. I was actually expecting him not to give it. I was ready to argue, but my stick was broken. So, I knew that according to the rule, it's supposed to be a goal.”

— Mathieu Olivier, Blue Jackets Forward (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to continue their winning streak when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 6th.

The takeaway

This goal highlights the NHL's rules around awarding goals when the opposing team has pulled their goaltender, and how officials can use their discretion to prevent the defending team from gaining an unfair advantage. Mathieu Olivier's hustle and awareness of the rule allowed him to be rewarded with the rare NHL-awarded goal.