Skip to content

Disallowed Capitals goal stirs up debate over goalie interference, coach's challenge

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov thought he scored.

The Capitals were down 3-0 in the second period when Orlov blasted one past San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones. The goal counted - until a coach's review by Peter DeBoer erased it.

Here's the play in question:

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

Here's the league's explanation:

After reviewing all available replays and consulting with NHL Hockey Operations staff, the Referee determined that Washington's Jay Beagle interfered with Jones before the puck crossed the goal line. According to Rule 78.7, "The standard for overturning the call in the event of a ‘GOAL' call on the ice is that the Referee, after reviewing any and all available replays and consulting with the Toronto Video Room, determines that the goal should have been disallowed due to ‘Interference on the Goalkeeper,' as described in Rules 69.1, 69.3 and 69.4."

While Beagle did skate through the top of the crease - barely - and did make ever-so-slight contact with the left side of Jones' body and catching glove (you can see it better here), if that's goaltender interference, we'll likely see a lot of goals disallowed this year.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox