Another night in the NHL and another really awful call involving goaltender interference. The subject so far in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs has mostly dealt with goals scored that are waived off. In this case, it's about a penalty call.
The Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights are playing game 5 of their first round series tonight, with the teams deadlocked at two games each. In this case, Joe Pavelski of the Stars is hanging around the net, looking for a screen and/or deflection for his teammates. He was called for goaltender interference instead. Here's the video.
It's not hard to imagine Pavelski being angry with that call at all. Golden Knights defenceman Alec Martinez pretty much forced his hand, leaving Pavelski no choice but the make contact with netminder Adin Hill. Fans were as unhappy as Pavelski.
No one in the league seems to have any definitive idea of what constitutes goaltender interference, and when players are forced into netminders by other players. Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper was furious after two goals were overturned in game 5 against the Florida Panthers. The Bolts were eliminated after losing.
