Goalie Interference To Be Covered at NHL GM Meetings

As the video shows, the puck is loose in the crease, and as a former referee, Dave Jackson, has stated to Full Press Hockey and RG.org, players are allowed to go after pucks in the crease that are not covered by the goaltender.

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Zetterlund was going after a rebound from his initial shot on Allen after William Eklund was stopped on a wrap-around. There was a scramble for it in front, and Zetterlund flipped the puck over the pad as Devils forward Timo Meier, along with defenseman Brett Pesce, went after his stick.

Even from the overhead angle, the puck crosses the line before Zetterlund pushes Allen’s pad.

Even Fabian Zetterlund knows it was a good goal. “The puck was loose, and it went in,” Zetterlund said following the game.

Even Sharks Ryan Warfsoky thought about challenging it but ultimately decided against it because of how close it was.

“Yeah, it was close. We could have challenged it,” when Max Miller of the Hockey News asked about the disallowed goal and whether it was unchallengeable. “You know, I thought it was a goal. They called the goal on the ice. I’m kind of a little bit lost for words because I think if you call it on the ice, they should have to challenge it. But, you know, we thought about it. It was just a tough one.”

Could a Standard Be Coming From NHL GM Meetings?

Again, it appears comments from players are rubbing off on officials because, based on the standard and rules set last week, the Zetterlund goal probably should have counted if the Sharks had decided to challenge the goalie interference.

We know Brandon Hagel‘s goal sparked controversy in the hockey world. Many thought that the goalie interference call would stand with Conor Geekie in the crease jabbing at Hellebuyck’s pad. However, the officials determined, based on what happened in the Seattle and Ottawa game, that it was a good goal.

That is why these NHL GM meetings are happening. Now, everyone can get on the same page, and teams can understand what they can challenge—not to mention how it will be called. There is a human element to challenging goalie interference. It is subjective, but understanding what will be called benefits the game of hockey itself.