While National Hockey League (NHL) teams are currently battling for playoff spots, general managers around the league are meeting to discuss the state of the NHL.
The main topic of discussion among executives was goaltender interference. Most notably, how the league is officiating it. During the NHL’s general manager (GM) meetings, 31 of 32 team executives were shown 54 goals that were challenged for goalie interference this season. Out of all 54 instances, league executives determined that the officials made the correct ruling on 52 of the 54 challenges. This was done to ensure that general managers could check the league’s work, validating the difficult decisions made during a game.
The next step the league will make is to share these clips and explanations with coaching staffs as they are the ones responsible for challenges. Most notably, the video coaches as they are responsible for challenges made by a head coach. During a game, challenges are made between 30 and 45 seconds after a goal is scored.
As for general managers, they will be responsible for explaining the review process in greater detail as well as what the league looks for in a challenge made for goaltender interference. This will lead to a more effective review process followed by the NHL once a challenge is made.
All video reviews are determined by the NHL’s situation room in Toronto. When reviewing a decision, the main points of discussion include deliberate versus incidental contact, if a goalie has the chance to reset and if an offensive player is disrupting play. As the regular season reaches its climax, examining all aspects of replay review will be crucial in determining what steps may need to be taken in the offseason. Currently, not much will need to be done as most executives around the league believe officiating decisions are clear and consistent.
