The New York Islanders’ game-tying goal was upheld after an offside challenge by the Washington Capitals.
Trailing 1-0, the Isles headed up ice shorthanded. Simon Holmstrom carried the puck up the left wing into the Caps’ end, flanked by Jean-Gabriel Pageau on the right. Holmstrom feathered a saucer pass behind defenseman John Carlson that Pageau deflected past goaltender Logan Thompson.
Washington head coach Spencer Carbury challenged the play for being offside on the zone entry.
It was a solid challenge. Pageau’s left skate appeared to be clear of the blue line prior to the puck completely crossing the line. Under a minor change to the rule book, Pageau’s skate does not have to be in contact with the ice surface, but does have to have not completely broken the vertical plane of the blue line.
After review, the NHL’s Situation Room failed to overturn the call on the ice.
“There was no conclusive video evidence to determine that New York’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau preceded the puck into the attacking zone before his goal. Therefore, the call on the ice stands.”
That decision was made in accordance with Rule 38.1:
In all Coach’s Challenge situations, the original call on the ice will be overturned if, and only if, a conclusive and irrefutable determination can be made on the basis of video evidence that the original call on the ice was clearly not correct. If a review is not conclusive and/or there is any doubt whatsoever as to whether the call on the ice was correct, the original call on the ice will be confirmed.
Carbury has not had luck with Coach’s Challenges this season. He’s 0-for-4, with two failed challenges for goaltender interference, one for a missed stoppage, and now one for offside. He went 3-for-4 last season and 6-for-9 in 2023-24.
The New York Islanders went on to defeat the Washington Capitals 3-1. Officials for the game were referees Morgan MacPhee (#43) and Chris Lee (#28), with Tommy Hughes (#65) and Matt MacPherson (#83) on lines.
