I think the first picture actually indicates he could have made a legitimate attempt at stopping the goal with his stick. He has already turned his body for a check resulting in his left shoulder/stick hand being at least a foot further away from the puck. If he was going for the puck with his stick, he would have led with his left shoulder and plus he would have lunged for the puck getting his stick even closer toward the puck. However, this would have put himself in a very vulnerable position. It's been a long time since I played hockey but as a fellow right handed player, I would think I'd be more comfortable making a check with the combination of left leg/right shoulder vs. right leg/left shoulder, especially if the player is actually right handed.
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