tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

NHL Needs To Look At Goalie Interference

Within the last week there have been several goalie interference calls which have taken goals off the scoreboard and in some instances have played a significant role in determining the outcome of the game. Last night's phantom goaltender interference call against the Boston Bruins' Rick Peverley wiped out a Milan Lucic goal that would have tied the game at 1-1. I'm not going to say that this would have changed the outcome because the Bruins were outplayed by the Sabres but the call illustrated how bad these calls have been. Peverley was nowhere near Ryan Miller which was very similar to the call against Joffrey Lupul last week against Pittsburgh which wiped out a Maple Leaf goal.

The simple solution to this should be that these types of plays ought to be reviewed by the NHL Control Room in Toronto. It should be automatic. In fact, I will go one step further: every goal should be reviewed. It would not slow the game up because most goals would be clearly identified. If you watch as many NHL games as I do, it's clear that the NHL has a problem that they need to deal with. The interesting thing is that I never remember so many situations like what we have seen within the past week. Just from the games I have watched since January 31st, there were 4 goals that were waved off as a result of questionable goaltender interference calls.

Commissioner Gary Bettman and his cadre of league officials need to take a hard look at this issue. The system is already in place to correct this problem and protect the integrity of the game. By reviewing all goals, these types of calls would be made correctly. It would not slow down the game because on clear cut goals there would be no reason for play to be stopped. The league could review during the goal celebration and the center ice faceoff would take place with no interruption. If Bettman buries his head in the sand on this, he hurts the game's credibility. Take a look at it Gary!!