Ducks Score 3 Goals with Empty Net in Final Minutes to Force Overtime vs. Oilers

Down 3-0 late in Friday night's NHL Stanley Cup playoff second-round Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers, the Anaheim Ducks scored three goals in three minutes.

After pulling goalie John Gibson, Ryan Getzlaf started the rally by scoring his eighth postseason goal with 3:16 remaining. Thirty-five seconds later, Cam Fowler decreased the deficit with a slap shot.

Yet the late effort looked for naught until Rickard Rakell—celebrating his 24th birthday—tied the bout with 15 ticks left on the clock. Elias Sports Bureau put the historic comeback into perspective (h/t ESPN Stats & Info):

The game-tying score, however, came with controversy. Anaheim's Ryan Kesler appeared to grab Edmonton goalie Cam Talbot, as Garry Beko showed via Twitter:

Despite reviewing the play, the referees upheld the goal. Per Greg Beacham of the Associated Press, Edmonton forward Milan Lucic expressed his displeasure in the officiating after the game.

"I don't even know what goalie interference is anymore to be perfectly honest," Lucic said. "It's an absolute joke that especially two really good referees can't make the right call at the right time."

The drama continued into double overtime, when Corey Perry notched the game-winning goal. The Ducks' Twitter account captured the moment:

On the verge of suffering a home loss and consequent elimination game at Rogers Place, the Ducks instead gained a 3-2 series lead. They can advance to the Western Conference Final with a road win Sunday.

[NHL on NBC]