Thousands of hats were handed out at the Carolina Hurricanes' home opener on Friday, but few will be pinned to the heads of fans who'll exit through the same turnstiles.

Only they should be.

Jeff Skinner beat the buzzer with what appeared to be his hat-trick goal versus the New York Rangers, prompting fans to litter the ice with their gifts. But closer inspection revealed the puck took a touch off Bryan Bickell on the way in.

For Bickell, the change gives him his maiden goal with the Hurricanes, and his first NHL marker in 18 months.

For everyone else, it's needless forfeiture of free stuff.

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