Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak had a goal disallowed due to goaltender interference on Saturday afternoon against the Los Angeles Kings.

Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk was positioned at the top of the crease, battling defenseman Mikey Anderson for position. Anderson pushes DeBrusk into the blue paint, where he contacts the goal stick of David Rittich prior to the goal. 

 

 
Referees Mitch Dunning and Dan O’Rourke called a goal on the ice.  Kings head coach Jim Hiller challenged the ruling. 

The NHL’s Situation Room reviewed the play, ultimately siding with Hiller.  From the NHL:

Video review determined Boston’s Jake DeBrusk made contact with goaltender David Rittich that impaired his ability to play his position in the crease prior to David Pastrnak’s goal. 

The decision was made in accordance with Rule 69.1, which states in part, “Goals should be disallowed only if: (1) an attacking player, either by his positioning or by contact, impairs the goalkeeper’s ability to move freely within his crease or defend his goal.”

There’s no question that there was contact between DeBrusk and Rittich.  The determining factor on the play comes down to the reason for that contact.  

Anderson is engaged with DeBrusk, pushing the winger backwards.  What the NHL’s Situation Room likely took issue with on this play is the path DeBrusk took to exit the crease.  Instead of moving back or to his right, DeBrusk moves towards the goaltender, initiating contact with the stick and possibly the leg pad.

Also from Rule 69.1: 

If an attacking player has been pushed, shoved, or fouled by a defending player so as to cause him to come into contact with the goalkeeper, such contact will not be deemed contact initiated by the attacking player for purposes of this rule, provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact.

The NHL’s Situation Room felt DeBrusk simply didn’t do enough to avoid contact. 

The Los Angeles Kings are now 3-for-4 (75%) on Coach’s Challenges this season, having won four straight.  The organization has won 8-of-9 dating back to October 2023.  This is the first challenge issued by interim head coach Jim Hiller since he stepped behind the bench earlier this month.

The Boston Bruins fell to the Los Angeles Kings 5-4 in overtime. Officials for the game were referees Dan O’Rourke (#9) and Mitch Dunning (#20) with linespersons Matt MacPherson (#83) and Michel Cormier (#76).