MANALAPAN, Fla. — At the annual spring meeting for NHL general managers, video reviews, particularly those for goaltender interference, were a focal point. This season has seen the highest rate of challenges for goalkeeper interference in six years as playoff races heat up and the Stanley Cup approaches. Analyzing video reviews, including challenges for interference, offside, or missed stoppages, became crucial.
Approximately 70 clips of such challenged goals were presented to the general managers, aiming to clarify the league’s standards for goaltender interference and ensure all 32 teams understand the review process. “These aren’t black and white,” explained Kris King, vice president of hockey operations. He likened the varied and judgment-based decisions to snowflakes, each distinct.
In the first segment of the season, covering 1,048 games, coaches have challenged calls for goalie interference 105 times, with a remarkable 60 successful overturns. This is the highest success rate since 2019-20, when incorrect challenges led to a two-minute penalty. King acknowledged the difficulty of scoring and the critical nature of victories, saying, “Games are tough. It’s tough to score. Guys know the importance of winning games, and they’re going to the net hard.”
The NHL’s situation room in Toronto, working with on-ice officials, evaluates each review, considering factors like the nature of contact and whether a goalie is hindered in performing his role. Bill Zito, GM of the Florida Panthers, praised the situation room and referees for managing this complex task. “It’s hard,” he remarked, reflecting on the judgment needed for these decisions.
Since 2015-16, goaltender interference challenges have transitioned from costing a timeout, similar to NFL regulations. Stephen Walkom, director of officiating, believes the criteria for these reviews have become clearer. “We’re not far off,” he asserted, noting improved consensus on rulings compared to when challenges began.
Senior VP of hockey operations Colin Campbell, along with other league officials, expressed concern over potentially unwise challenges that disrupt game flow. The NHL anticipates another high-scoring season with many close games, making it vital to avoid unnecessary interruptions. “You’re going to have some judgment calls, and that’s the nature particularly of goaltender interference,” said Commissioner Gary Bettman. He emphasized that challenges should not be guesses but based on evident error.
More commonly, challenges for offside are successful, with coaches typically only asking for reviews when sure. Out of 77 challenges for offside, 69 were upheld. While this season’s schedule, affected by the 2026 Milan Olympics, is up for discussion during meetings, extending 3-on-3 overtime beyond 5 minutes is not formally on the agenda, as this requires approval from the Players’ Association.
With a month left in the regular season, managers scrutinize all facets of video reviews, anticipating tight playoff races. “We have to make tough rulings and we use our experience,” Campbell stated. His remarks underscore the challenging nature of adjudicating passionate and high-stakes challenges, in hopes that their experience aids in making the right calls.
