Michael McCarron bulldozes Casey DeSmith behind the net

There are plenty of hockey fans who believe that goaltenders who depart from their crease ought to be considered fair game, while still others view the last line of defense as untouchable regardless of where they are on the ice. 

Both groups are going to have fuel for a debate thanks to an incident that took place earlier tonight during Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarter Finals between the Nashville Predators and visiting Vancouver Canucks.

Nashville's Michael McCarron collided with Canucks goaltender Casey DeSmith behind the net despite having time to avoid making contact: 

McCarron was whistled for a two-minute minor penalty, and the Canucks would tally the game's first goal on the man advantage thanks to J.T. Miller: 

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