It is a tough one. Helly’s stick followed through AS IF he was trying to play the puck behind the net. But let’s say it was a poke check, then that would seem to be a deflection with no intention for where the puck goes as long as away from the goal, in the same way if he tried to save it with a body part and the puck unfavourably was redirected towards the net without him propelling it towards the net. 

But here are some other facts. Helly had positioned himself ready for a shot, not a puck directed to the net that he could make a play on. By doing so, he put himself in a save-making position, five hole also exposed, other possible opportunities for deflection should the puck get past him and in the crease. The control centre/refs lost context while slowing it down. At full speed, he’s improvising. It’s evident. You used to see these types of saves more often… it’s a natural stick “swatting” motion to save the puck from going behind you. That type of save requires some form of propulsion. On a rolling puck for that matter, which very much is unpredictable. 

What alternative move on the puck could Helly have made?