 After the Cournoyer goal , the goal judge refused to put the goal light on despite the fact that it was signalled a goal on the ice . In response , Alan Eagleson ( seated across the ice from the Team Canada bench ) attempted to reach the timer 's bench to protest , causing a ruckus in the crowd as he made his way to the timer 's bench . As he was being subdued by the Soviet police , the Canadian players headed over and Peter Mahovlich jumped over the boards to confront police with his stick . Eagleson was freed and the coaches escorted him across the ice to the bench . In anger , he shoved his fist to the Soviet crowd , as a few other Canadian supporters also gave the finger to the Soviets . The Soviets continued to play defensively . Sinden speculates the Soviets were willing to accept the tie and win the series on goal differential . 
