Mike Murphy, the NHL’s Senior VP of Hockey Operations, normally mans the helm at the NHL’s Situation Room in Toronto. On Thursday, he took over the NHL’s Twitter account for a peek behind the scenes of what goes on in the Situation Room. A summary of those questions and answers is below.
Mike Murphy, SVP of #HockeyOps, is live from the NHL Situation Room by @SamsungCanada. Tag your ?s #ClosertotheGame pic.twitter.com/6mUUrdxdN3
— NHL (@NHL) May 7, 2015
About how many reviews/review requests do you get a game during the regular season?
Mike Murphy: It can vary day to day. There were approx. 300 official reviews over the course of this season.
Are final decisions made by one person or a group?
MM: Yes, one individual makes the final decision. However, the room is consulted on most reviews.
How has your experience as a coach and a player translated to your current role in Hockey Ops?
MM: Strong knowledge of the game is necessary. Experience playing/coaching translates to the role.
Do you review every goal that is scored? How do you determine what needs to be reviewed?
MM: We review all goals & formally review any that appear kicked/high-sticked/batted/not over line.
No doubt your job requires focus. What activity, away from the job, keeps your mind fresh for game day?
MM: Stay current with what’s happening around the NHL and work out for at least an hour a day.
What is the arena video goal judge’s role if the decisions are ultimately made by the Situation Room?
MM: Another set of eyes, a conduit to the officials & a decision-maker on site if technology fails
How do you handle situations where a goal may have occurred by the refs allowed play to continue?
MM: We have to be sure goal is legal, then notify in-area goal judge to sound horn and award goal.
Thanks @NHL and @SamsungCanada, it was fun to share a little more about the NHL Situation Room. Enjoy tonight’s games. -MM #ClosertotheGame
— NHL (@NHL) May 7, 2015