The National Hockey League expanded its use of instant replay review to include a coach’s challenge to start the 2015-16 season and it appears more tinkering with cameras lies ahead.
In this week’s edition of “Headlines” on Hockey Night in Canada Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman touched on some technological changes the league is currently tinkering with.
We could see new cameras added to nets to enhance the ability of the officials and the NHL Situation Room to make correct goal calls in time for the post-season.
“The league is working on cameras inside the crossbars. Not so much the posts because too much gets blocked, but in the crossbars for all the teams that make the playoffs this year,” Friedman said.
Cameras are also in the works for offside calls.
“They’re also working on cameras for the 16 arenas that make the playoffs along the blueline. At the bottom on the penalty box side, above the bench on the players side,” said Friedman.
Further to the issue with offsides, Friedman believes some team executives could move to recommend reviews on offside calls go to the Situation Room in Toronto. The GMs will gather in Boca Raton, Florida for the league meetings on March 14.
“At the GM meetings don’t be surprised if the idea comes up to have the offside reviews go to Toronto. Goaltender interference stay on the ice, but maybe some GMs will suggest the idea of the offside review of going to Toronto for the bigger screen in what has become a very tight call.”
The coach’s challenge is currently limited to disputed offside plays that lead to a goal and interference on the goaltender.
