I believe the rule is that when the shot leaves the stick it cannot be higher than the crossbar. The rule was not violated.
It seems to me that if the defenseman is in "proper position" as claimed by Doc, the play is not only legal and ethical, it's necessary strategically to prevent the defenseman from standing too far in front of the net which is exactly what allowed the guy behind the net too much time and space so he could make the play. I think the defenseman is totally at fault for the goal as he should have stood more on the side he would have easily been able to reach behind and over and bother or obstruct the player with the puck. If the offensive player is not in any way obstructed and the defense retreats to cover the sides of the net, what other play can he make to stop that defense from being played or to counteract that defensive strategy? To do anything other than what he did is to say to the other team "you have won, I cannot score", skate off the ice, and give up. Flat out quit.
If you watch the video the defenseman slams his stick on the ice after the goal as he realized he had fucked up. The play could theoretically happen in the NHL, but the defensemen in the NHL will likely not allow something like that to happen. This is what I have been told by someone who knows more about hockey than I.
