TAMPA, Fla. _–Brent Seabrook’s goal in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final likely won’t count next season, but for now there was nothing the officials could do to help the Tampa Bay Lightning.
As Seabrook’s shot was going in, Chicago Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa moved Ben Bishop’s left pad, and the Lightning goaltender was livid. The officials conferred to discuss, but as of now, goaltender interference is not subject to video review.
Because of that, the Blackhawks tied the score at three in the third period. The Lightning rebounded to win 4-3 and tie the series at a game apiece.
“Whether it was goalie interference or not it could have been called on that, it didn’t,” Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said. “We got it right back. We found a way to get one at the end.”
Next season, as long as it’s approved by the NHLPA executive board and NHL board of governors, coaches will be able to challenge situations like this one.
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The joint NHL-NHLPA competition committee on Thursday recommended that change, which general managers have debated for years.
On-ice officials will be able to review calls only on goalie interference and then confer with the situation room on offside plays.
Hossa did not believe he interfered with Bishop, who minutes later left the game for an unknown reason.
“I didn’t feel anything,” Hossa said. “Maybe when the puck went in the net already, my blade touched his pad a little bit. But I think that was it.”
Hossa said he didn’t feel any resistance from Bishop’s pad that would’ve meant he moved it.
