NHL Review System needs an Overhaul
By Jason Gregor
6 years ago“After reviewing all available replays and consulting with NHL Hockey Operations staff, the Referee determined that the actions of Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse caused Anaheim’s Ryan Kesler to contact Talbot before the puck crossed the goal line. The decision was made in accordance with Note 2 of Rule 78.7 (ii) which states, in part, “that the goal on the ice should have been allowed because (ii) the attacking Player was pushed, shoved or fouled by a defending Player causing the attacking Player to come into contact with the goalkeeper.”
That was the NHL’s decision to allow the Ducks to tie the game with 15 seconds remaining.
There is no doubt Nurse pushed Kesler into the crease. Everyone agrees on that, but it seems those in the NHL’s situation room believe once you are pushed into the crease all bets are off.
It is the only logical explanation, because how else can you explain the league allowing Kesler to hold Talbot’s pad, which clearly restricted him from getting up?
I can’t.
The only other explanation is that those reviewing it didn’t see it, similar to the Hockey Night panel. The original response from Ron Maclean, Nick Kypreos and Kelly Hrudey was they all thought it was a good goal. They only changed their tune after Elliott Friedman pointed out Kesler’s grab.
I was watching the game with three of my friends, and on the first replay every one of us said, “look at Kesler grab the pad.”
We thought it was rather obvious, but those in charge of the video review didn’t.
Considering how quickly they ruled it a goal. I believe there is a good chance they were so focused on Nurse pushing/contacting Kesler into the crease that they missed the obvious pad grab.
That can’t happen. If they take seven to ten minutes in a regular season game in December to review a goal, why are they suddenly making a decision in record time in May, in a massively important playoff game?
For me, this is a systematic issue, not a referee issue.
I thought the game was called quite well. I wouldn’t expect the officials to catch the pad grab in real time, because they didn’t have the luxury of an overhead camera angle. However, the review process allowed them a different angle. And from the above angle, it was clear Kesler’s hand was inside the top of the pad for an extended period of time and there was one motion where he seemed to pull the pad.
I believe officiating the game in real-time is extremely difficult, but the review process should not be this confusing.
My main concern is I doubt the NHL truly wants to fix it.
The National Football League has similar issues with determining what is a catch or not. It has been going on for years, and if the biggest sports league in North America is okay with having mass confusion on deciphering what is a catch, I’m certain the NHL will remain equally inept in finding consistency on goaltender interference.
I don’t believe this is a conspiracy against Edmonton, instead it illustrates the utter incompetence of the NHL’s review process. They clearly believe the original infraction overrules any subsequent actions.
There is no doubt Nurse pushed Kesler in the crease, but Nurse did not make Kesler grab Talbot’s pad. Each action is separate, yet based on their decision last night it is clear the NHL operations staff doesn’t see it this way.
And I guarantee it won’t be solved over the summer. The NHL will do their usual review. They will hold meetings, and smile at the camera and say they are working to improve replays, but their past history proves they prefer to have controversy and inconsistency when it comes to video review.
PARTING SHOTS
- I applaud Todd McLellan’s ability to remain calm and poised on the bench and in his post-game presser. McLellan had to remain calm, externally anyway, once the call was made. The game was tied and OT was looming. He did not want his team to unravel, and it worked. The Oilers controlled the first OT, but couldn’t score. After the game he didn’t complain, instead he complimented his team on a great effort, which was accurate. It is hard to criticize Leon Draisaitl for blocking consecutive shots, and have the second one deflect off his back into the net.McLellan’s restraint shouldn’t be looked at as not caring. Yelling, screaming and ranting wouldn’t change the call, but McLellan obviously didn’t like the call.”We’re disappointed, but we can’t be mad at anybody… Interference? You’re asking the wrong guy, I don’t know what it is anymore,” said McLellan in a much calmer tone than most could have mustered.
- NHL operations inability to see past Nurse pushing Kesler in the crease is akin to those who think Kris Russell isn’t a good player, beause they can’t look past his Corsi. Russell was incredible last night. I don’t care what his Corsi was, because if you can show me video evidence of him making more bad plays than good I’d love to see it. He blocked shots, he took a massive hit and came back. He used his speed to break up plays and he competed extremely hard all night. If you think Russell isn’t good because of one inaccurate statistic, then you are as stubborn, or as clueless, as those running the video review last night. You are so committed to your believe in one statistic, it doesn’t allow you to process what actually unfolded on the ice.
- The game up until the missed review was a classic. It must be incredibly gut-wrenching for the players and I know fans are crushed. Game six in Edmonton will be electric.
- I was very impressed with Leon Draisaitl’s performance last night. He switched back to centre in the biggest game of the season and made it look easy. I don’t think there is any doubt he is best suited as a centre, mainly because it gives the Oilers and outstanding one-two punch down the middle for years to come. I’d keep the lines the same for game six.
- Andrej Sekera’s injury is a big blow. It didn’t look good when he left the ice and if he can’t play in game six, it creates changes in two pairings. If they bring in Eric Gryba, then one of him or Matt Benning will be in the second pair with Russell, who will move to the left side. Or I wonder if they bring in Jordan Oesterle or Griffin Reinhart, leave Russell on the right side on the 2nd pair and move up Nurse. What pairs would you run out for game six?
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