Video review giveth and video review taketh away.
The Colorado Avalanche found themselves both winning and losing reviews for the potential game-tying goal late in Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
Avalanche forward Sven Andrighetto appeared to score with 1:14 remaining. Referee Brad Watson initially waved off the goal on the ice.
The NHL’s Situation Room took a look at the play, determining that the puck crossed the line. With no kick and no ‘intent to blow’ the whistle on the play, Colorado was awarded the goal.
Minnesota head coach Bruce Boudreau challenged the play citing goaltender interference. Once again, the goal was reviewed — this time by referee Brad Watson. After a few minutes scrutinizing the replays, Watson overturned the goal. He determined that a Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon pushed Wild blueliner Jonas Brodin into goaltender Devan Dubnyk, preventing him from making the save.
From the NHL Rule Book, Rule 69.1:
If a defending player has been pushed, shoved, or fouled by an attacking player so as to cause the defending player to come into contact with his own goalkeeper, such contact shall be deemed contact initiated by the attacking player for purposes of this rule, and if necessary a penalty assessed to the attacking player and if a goal is scored it would be disallowed.
“I’m glad they got the call right even though the fans don’t agree,” Dubnyk said.
While the multiple-review process isn’t ideal, it’s necessary under the league’s current separation of duties.
The NHL’s Situation Room reviews whether or not the puck crossed the goal line as well as determining if a puck was kicked in, batted in, or deflected in with a high stick.
Coach’s Challenge reviews are handled solely by the on-ice officials. Referees review and rule on goaltender interference; linesmen handle the offside challenges.
