Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or just a casual viewer, there’s no denying that goals are the most exciting part of any game. But what happens when a goal is controversial or appears to be scored through illegal means? That’s where the NHL’s review system comes into play. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the rules and regulations surrounding goal reviews in the NHL, and what you need to know as a fan or player.
First, we’ll cover the basics of the NHL’s review process and how it works. Then, we’ll discuss the role of referees in reviewing goals and how they make their decisions. We’ll also explore how offside and goaltender interference can impact goal reviews and lead to disallowed goals.
Finally, we’ll dive into the controversial topic of challenges and appeals, and what teams can and cannot challenge when it comes to goal reviews. We’ll also look at some recent controversies and changes in the NHL’s review system, and what they mean for the future of goal reviews in the league.
If you’re a fan of hockey or just curious about the NHL’s review system, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about when goals are reviewable in hockey.
Table of Contents
Understanding the NHL’s review process
For NHL fans, there’s nothing more exciting than a goal being scored. But sometimes, the question of whether or not a goal should count arises. That’s where the NHL’s review process comes into play. It’s a complex system, but with a bit of understanding, anyone can make sense of it.
When a goal is scored, referees will signal to the video goal judge (VGK) in the arena, who will then initiate a review of the play. The VGK has access to all available camera angles and can request additional footage if necessary. The review is conducted at ice level in a designated area, and the VGK has the final say on whether the goal should count or not.
There are several factors that the VGK considers when reviewing a goal. The most obvious one is whether the puck fully crossed the goal line. But they also take into account factors such as goaltender interference, offside, and whether or not the puck was deflected by a high stick.
It’s important to note that the NHL’s review process isn’t perfect. There are still situations where calls can be missed or subjective interpretations can come into play. But overall, the review process has helped to ensure that the right calls are made on the ice, and that the outcome of games is determined by the skill of the players rather than questionable officiating.
The role of video review in the NHL
In the NHL, the video review system has become a crucial tool in determining the validity of goals. Video review allows officials to watch replays of plays and goals from various camera angles to ensure that the correct call is made.
The video review process begins with the on-ice officials making a call on the ice. If a coach challenges the call, the video review team in the NHL’s Situation Room reviews the play to determine if the on-ice call was correct or incorrect.
- The video review team can review a goal if there is a question of goaltender interference.
- They can also review a goal if there is a question of whether the puck fully crossed the goal line.
- Lastly, they can review a goal if there was a missed offside or too many men on the ice call that directly resulted in the goal.
Once the Situation Room has made a decision, they communicate the call to the on-ice officials, who then relay the call to the teams and the fans in the arena. Video review has helped to ensure that the right call is made, and that the outcome of games is not influenced by missed calls.
The role of referees in reviewing goals
Referees play a crucial role in the NHL’s goal review process, as they are responsible for initiating the review of a potential goal. When a play is close, the on-ice officials will often consult with the video review officials stationed in the arena’s “war room.”
The referee can request a review for several reasons, such as if they lose sight of the puck or if the net is dislodged during a scoring attempt. However, if the referee signals a goal on the ice, the video review officials must find “conclusive evidence” to overturn the call.
During a review, the referee will typically watch the replays on a tablet on the scorer’s table. Once they have made a decision, they will communicate it to the arena’s announcer and make a hand signal to indicate the call on the ice.
It’s important to note that the referees are not the only officials involved in the review process. Video review officials, who are located in the NHL’s Situation Room in Toronto, also play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a review.
While the referees have the final say on the ice, the video review officials have the ability to make the final call if there is “conclusive evidence” to overturn the call made by the on-ice officials.
How referees can initiate a review
Referees can initiate a review for a variety of reasons, including if they are unsure if the puck crossed the goal line or if there was a potential offside or goaltender interference. Referees have access to multiple camera angles in the arena to assist with their decision-making. If a referee decides to initiate a review, they must signal for a video review by making a rectangular gesture with their hands.
If the referee initiates a review, they have the option to consult with the NHL’s Situation Room in Toronto, which has access to additional camera angles and replays. The Situation Room can also initiate a review on their own if they determine that a play is reviewable, regardless of whether the on-ice officials signal for a review.
Referees can also choose to overturn their initial call after reviewing a play. For example, if a referee initially calls a goal on the ice but later determines, upon review, that the puck did not completely cross the goal line, they can overturn their initial call and disallow the goal.
What referees can and cannot review
While referees have the ability to initiate reviews on their own, there are limitations on what they can and cannot review. In general, referees can only review certain types of goals, such as those involving potential offside or goaltender interference. They are also allowed to review goals where the puck was not seen to cross the goal line. However, there are some situations where referees cannot review a goal, such as when a team has already used their coach’s challenge.
Additionally, referees are not allowed to review penalties or non-calls that may have occurred prior to the goal. For example, if a player on the scoring team was offside earlier in the play, but the referees missed the call, they cannot review the play and disallow the goal. Similarly, if a player on the non-scoring team was interfered with, but no penalty was called, referees cannot review the play and award a penalty shot or minor penalty.
Referees also cannot review incidents that occur after a goal has been scored, such as a potential high-stick that occurs during the celebration. In these situations, if the opposing team believes there was an infraction, they would need to use their coach’s challenge to initiate a review.
How offside and goaltender interference can impact goal reviews
Offside occurs when an attacking player precedes the puck into the offensive zone. If a goal is scored following an offside play, it will be disallowed. Referees can review the play to determine if the attacking player was offside. If a review shows that the play was offside, the goal will be disallowed.
Goaltender interference occurs when an attacking player makes contact with the goaltender, preventing them from doing their job. If a goal is scored following a goaltender interference play, it will be disallowed. Referees can review the play to determine if the attacking player interfered with the goaltender. If a review shows that there was interference, the goal will be disallowed.
Both offside and goaltender interference can be difficult to detect in real-time, making them prime candidates for video review. The NHL has made changes to the review process to ensure that these types of plays are given the attention they deserve.
It’s important to note that even if a goal is scored following a play that was offside or had goaltender interference, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the attacking team is penalized. In some cases, the attacking team may receive a minor penalty or have a player ejected from the game.
When offside can negate a goal
Offside occurs when an attacking player enters the offensive zone ahead of the puck. If the player’s skate, stick, or any other body part crosses the blue line before the puck does, they are offside.
If a goal is scored while an attacking player is offside, the goal will be disallowed, and play will resume with a faceoff outside the offensive zone. The NHL uses video review to determine if a player was offside when the puck entered the offensive zone.
It’s worth noting that a player can legally enter the offensive zone before the puck if they are already in the offensive zone when the puck is passed. Additionally, if a defending player carries the puck into their own net, the attacking team cannot be offside, even if they entered the zone before the puck did.
Challenges and appeals: what teams can and cannot challenge
Challenges: In the NHL, teams have the ability to challenge certain types of goals. These challenges can be made for a variety of reasons, including offside or goaltender interference.
Limitations: Teams cannot challenge certain types of goals, such as those resulting from high sticks, hand passes, or pucks being knocked down by a player’s hand.
Appeals: If a team challenges a goal and the call on the ice is upheld, they may be able to appeal the decision to the NHL’s situation room. However, the criteria for an appeal is strict and not every call can be appealed.
What types of calls can be challenged
Robocalls: One of the most common types of calls that can be challenged are robocalls. These are pre-recorded calls that are made by automated systems without any human intervention. If you have not given your explicit consent to receive such calls, they can be challenged.
Telemarketing calls: Telemarketing calls are another type of call that can be challenged. These are calls made by companies to promote their products or services. If you are registered with the National Do Not Call Registry and still receive such calls, they can be challenged.
Debt collection calls: Debt collectors can also make calls that can be challenged. If you are receiving calls from debt collectors for a debt that you do not owe, or if the collector is using abusive or harassing language, such calls can be challenged.
It is important to note that not all calls can be challenged. For instance, calls from political organizations, charities, and surveys are exempt from certain regulations. Moreover, if you have given your consent to receive calls from a particular company or organization, they can legally contact you. However, if you change your mind later and no longer wish to receive such calls, you can revoke your consent and challenge any subsequent calls.
The consequences of unsuccessful challenges
While it is important to challenge unwanted calls, there is a risk that your challenge may not be successful. If this is the case, there can be some consequences that you should be aware of.
Continued calls: If your challenge is unsuccessful, the caller may continue to call you. They may even increase the frequency or intensity of the calls. This can be frustrating and even stressful for some people.
Legal action: In some cases, if you challenge a call and it is deemed to be legitimate, the caller may take legal action against you. This is rare, but it can happen. For example, if you challenge a debt collection call that is legitimate, the collector may take legal action to recover the debt.
Missed opportunities: If you challenge a call and it is deemed to be legitimate, you may miss out on important opportunities. For instance, if you challenge a call from a potential employer or a client, you may miss out on a job or a contract.
It is important to be aware of these potential consequences before you decide to challenge a call. While challenging unwanted calls can be an effective way to stop them, it is not always the best option. In some cases, it may be better to simply block the number or ignore the call.
The limitations of challenges
Challenges are a popular way to motivate oneself to achieve a goal. However, challenges have some limitations that can hinder one’s success. Firstly, challenges can be too rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. For example, if a person sets a challenge to run 5 kilometers every day, but experiences an injury, they may be unable to continue with the challenge. Secondly, challenges can become demotivating if they are too difficult to achieve. If a person sets a challenge to learn a new language in one week, but finds the task impossible, they may give up entirely. Lastly, challenges can be limiting in their scope. If a person sets a challenge to read 10 books in a month, they may miss out on opportunities to learn about other subjects.
While challenges can be a great tool for motivation, it is important to consider their limitations before embarking on one. One way to address these limitations is to create a challenge that is flexible and adaptable. For example, setting a challenge to walk for 30 minutes every day instead of running 5 kilometers. This allows for adjustment in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Another way to overcome limitations is to set realistic and achievable goals. This helps to keep one motivated throughout the challenge. Lastly, it is important to keep an open mind and not limit oneself to a specific goal. Setting a challenge to read 10 books in a month is great, but exploring different topics can also be rewarding.
In conclusion, challenges can be a powerful tool for self-improvement, but they also have their limitations. It is important to be aware of these limitations and create challenges that are flexible, achievable, and open to exploring new opportunities. With the right mindset and approach, challenges can help individuals achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves.
- Rigid: Challenges can be too inflexible
- Demotivating: Challenges can become too difficult to achieve
- Limiting: Challenges can be limiting in their scope
Recent controversies and changes in the NHL’s review system
For years, the National Hockey League (NHL) has utilized technology to ensure the accuracy of its calls on the ice. However, despite the use of video review systems, there have been several recent controversies surrounding the league’s officiating. These controversies have led to changes in the NHL’s review system.
One of the most significant controversies arose during the 2020 playoffs, when the league was criticized for inconsistent enforcement of the rulebook. Specifically, there was controversy surrounding what constituted a major penalty for high-sticking. This led to the implementation of a new rule requiring officials to review all major penalties for potential infractions.
Another area of controversy has been the use of offside reviews. In recent years, the NHL has faced criticism for its strict enforcement of the offside rule, with some arguing that the rule is being applied too strictly and leading to unnecessary reviews. To address these concerns, the league has made changes to the offside rule, including allowing players to have their skate in the air when entering the offensive zone.
Finally, the NHL has also faced criticism for its use of goaltender interference reviews. In particular, there has been debate over what constitutes “interference,” with some arguing that the rule is too vague and subjective. In response, the league has made changes to the rule, including establishing clearer guidelines for what constitutes interference and limiting the scope of reviews to ensure that they do not take too long.
Overall, the recent controversies and changes in the NHL’s review system highlight the challenges that the league faces in utilizing technology to improve its officiating. While video review has the potential to make the game more fair and accurate, it is clear that there are still issues that need to be addressed. By continuing to adapt and evolve its review system, however, the NHL can ensure that it remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the world of sports.
The impact of the coach’s challenge on the NHL
The coach’s challenge has had a significant impact on the NHL since its introduction. One of the positive impacts is that it has helped to reduce the number of incorrect calls made by the officials. By giving the coaches the ability to challenge calls, the officials are more accountable for their decisions and have to make sure they get them right.
Another positive impact is that it has made the game more fair. In the past, a bad call could completely change the outcome of a game. With the coach’s challenge, the teams have a better chance of winning based on their own merits rather than a bad call going against them.
However, there have also been some negative impacts of the coach’s challenge. One of these is that it has slowed down the pace of the game. When a coach challenges a call, there is a delay while the officials review the play. This can interrupt the flow of the game and make it less enjoyable for fans.
- Another negative impact is that it can be frustrating for fans when a call is overturned due to a technicality. For example, if a player’s skate is offside by just a few millimeters, a goal can be disallowed. While this may be technically correct, it can be frustrating for fans who feel like the call is nitpicking and takes away from the excitement of the game.
Overall, the coach’s challenge has had both positive and negative impacts on the NHL. While it has helped to make the game more fair and reduce incorrect calls, it has also slowed down the pace of the game and frustrated fans at times. As with any change, it will continue to be debated and tweaked to try and find the best possible balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of goals are reviewable in hockey?
Only specific types of goals are eligible for review in hockey. These include goals where the puck completely crosses the goal line, pucks that enter the net as a result of a high stick, pucks that enter the net after hitting the post or crossbar, and goals that are scored following a potential offside call.
Who is responsible for initiating a review?
Typically, the coach of the team whose goal is being reviewed must initiate a review by using their challenge. In some situations, the officials may initiate a review on their own accord, such as when a goal is scored with less than two minutes remaining in the third period or in overtime.
How many challenges are allowed per game?
Each team is allowed one challenge per game, with the option of an additional challenge if their first challenge is successful. If the first challenge is unsuccessful, the team forfeits their right to challenge for the remainder of the game.
What happens if a team is out of challenges?
If a team is out of challenges and the officials still need to review a play, they will have to rely on the NHL’s situation room to initiate a review. However, the situation room can only initiate a review for certain types of plays, such as potential goals or goaltender interference calls.
How is a review conducted?
Reviews are typically conducted using video replay. Officials will review the play from multiple angles to determine whether the goal should stand or be overturned. In some situations, officials may need to communicate with the NHL’s situation room to assist in their decision-making process.
What happens if a goal is overturned?
If a goal is overturned, play resumes with a faceoff in the neutral zone. The team whose goal was overturned does not receive a penalty, but they do lose their right to challenge for the remainder of the game.