By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The NHL has to get its referees on the same page when it comes to goaltender interference calls. Twice this season such calls were made in Lightning games. Both times Tampa Bay got the short end, and both calls resulted in opposite outcomes.
Example No. 1: In a Feb. 8 game against the Sabres, Buffalo's Paul Gaustad tied the score 3-3 with Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson on his back after being tripped by the stick of the Sabres' Drew Stafford. But Stafford had fallen after being tripped by Tampa Bay defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron, which apparently negated the contact with Roloson.
Lightning coach Guy Boucher said allowing the goal was correct. Rule 69.1 says: "If an attacking player has been pushed, shoved or fouled by a defending player so as to cause him to come into contact with the goalkeeper, such contact will not be deemed contact initiated by the attacking player for the purpose of this rule, provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact."
Which leads to example No. 2: Monday against the Capitals, the Lightning's Vinny Lecavalier seemed to score for a 2-0 third-period lead. But the goal was waived off because it was ruled Marty St. Louis interfered with goalie Braden Holtby.
First, replays showed St. Louis at most brushed Holtby as he fell into the crease. But even if he did, it was a direct consequence of being tripped by Washington forward Brooks Laich.
Same circumstances, right? A defending player pushing or fouling an attacking player into a goalkeeper. But the outcome was different. Lecavalier's goal was disallowed, turning what could have been a 2-0 comfort zone back into a 1-0 nail-biter.
Laich wasn't even called for tripping. Washington won 2-1 in a shootout and claimed first place in the Southeast Division.
What is the one thing players in every sport want from their game officials? Consistency. The NHL needs it when it comes to goalie interference calls.
As Boucher noted, "It can have an impact on the season."