If the ultimate aim is to find out whether a goal is good or not, then the NHL's replay system is working just fine.
That's Gary Bettman's assessment early in the postseason, at least.
Speaking at a meeting with The Associated Press Sports Editors on Friday, the league commissioner addressed the use of the coach's challenge to rule on offsides and goaltender interference on potential scoring plays, arguing for accuracy above all else.
"It starts with, which is more important, to be fast or to get it right?" Bettman asked rhetorically, according to Jesse Spector of The Sporting News. "I know there's been some criticism about, 'Get rid of the whole system! It takes too long!' The fact of the matter is, does it really matter if the skate is this much offside? Well, yeah, it matters.
"Frankly, if we don't get it right, and it's an important or deciding factor in the game, we're going to hear about it."
The major complaint has been the amount of time taken to make a ruling on marginal offsides, the depletion of goal scoring as a result of overturned calls, as well as the size of the screen used to review the play.
The process, Bettman added, remains a work in progress.
"It's a close call sometimes, and sometimes it's a hard call to make," Bettman continued. "Our guys are doing the best that they can to get it right. That's the most important thing. The more we do it, the faster it will get. We added cameras on the goal line for the playoffs. We added cameras in the crossbar. We're constantly trying to move forward with the technology that's available to us."
Suffice it to say the conversation will continue throughout the playoffs and into next season, especially if it affects the outcome of the Stanley Cup Final.
