Exactly the same concept exists in NHL hockey by the way. In particular, if a player attacking an empty net (because the goaltender has been pulled late in the

Exactly the same concept exists in NHL hockey by the way. In particular, if a player attacking an empty net (because the goaltender has been pulled late in the game to add another skater) is interfered with from behind, or a thrown stick disrupts his shot, the goal is just awarded on the assumption that the attacker would have almost certainly scored.