Once more, on the annual NHL General Managers’ meeting, the subject of goalie interference was discussed. Now it didn’t take over the meetings because it did last yr, when it was an actual problem. Remember, right after those 2025 NHL GMs Meetings, the situation between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Recent York Islanders occurred in a meaningful game.
The GMs and the League went over every thing; it was confusing, on condition that the Columbus goal stood, and so they provided examples of what goalie interference was and what it wasn’t. But a yr later, things are more confusing than ever after what happened between the Anaheim Geese and Ottawa Senators.
The Ottawa Senators rating shorthanded however the Anaheim Geese have challenged for goaltender interference.
What’s your call? pic.twitter.com/ZbeNPy7Ilo
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 14, 2026
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On a goal scored by Thomas Chabot of the Ottawa Senators, it appeared that Senators forward Tim Stutzle interfered with Geese goalie Villie Husso, stopping him from making a save and playing his position. Nonetheless, the situation room went with the decision on the ice, and there was not enough video evidence to overturn the decision.
But with goalie interference challenge rates taking place, it appears there isn’t as much clarity as once thought. It’s about improving the product and helping the coaches, fans, and media understand what the Situation Room and Officials are in search of.
As Pierre LeBrun of TSN said on Insider Trading, one in all these goalie interference calls will cost a team within the playoffs.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
Gino Reda: “One other talking point on the day is, well, it looks as if Groundhog Day relating to goaltender interference, Pierre.”
Pierre LeBrun: “It’s not getting clearer. I mean, like Pat Verbeek sought clarification on this present day inside that room, because he had a goal that they challenged last Saturday in Ottawa. Ville Husso was clearly contacted in his crease by Tim Stutzle, and the goal stood.
And the rationale for it, as Colin Campbell explained on this present day, was that they felt that the decision on the ice was a very good goal, and that there wasn’t enough evidence that Ville Husso couldn’t do his job. I disagree. I feel Pat Verbeek disagrees. I feel plenty of other GMs disagree, and it is a problem for the NHL.
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They spent a number of time on this last yr on the GM meetings; they gave us a presentation on it. But there’s going to be a moment in these Stanley Cup Playoffs where what looks like a goal that must be disallowed is allowed to face, and it could have an effect on a playoff series.
And I don’t care what the league says, I don’t think they’ve cleaned that up.”
But he wasn’t the just one who had a say on it. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, appearing on the NHL Network, also disagreed with the decision in Anaheim-Ottawa and feels that goalie interference will cost a team within the playoffs. It’s concerning the larger picture for the game.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
EJ Hradek: “How about goal interference? That’s one other enjoyable topic for the managers. 12 months after yr after yr.”
Elliotte Friedman: “Yeah, I used to be on the receiving end of a pair from Colin Campbell. what, guys, I don’t understand how you’re feeling? I just didn’t like that one in Ottawa-Anaheim on the weekend. Look I don’t think persons are incompetent. I don’t think anything like that. And goalies up to now have told me that there are situations where you get bumped, and it’s best to have the option to make the save, fight through to make the save.
And I don’t wish to disrespect individuals who played the position, because they know rather a lot more about than I do. I just have a look at the one on February 28 Rangers-Penguins, and that one the opposite day, and I just think, within the playoffs, it’s not good. I actually, I try to have a look at it big picture for the game, the players, the fans, everybody. I don’t at all times succeed, but that’s at all times the best way I try to have a look at things.
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I just have a look at those two goals, and I say, I don’t think it’s good for the game that one counts and one doesn’t. I just worry within the playoffs, something’s going to occur, and we’re all going to be it and going, Oh, that is just not good.”
While it wasn’t on the agenda to vary the rule, it’s getting to some extent of no return, especially if something happens in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
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