The NHL’s video review system needs some serious work. The Detroit Red Wings appeared to have a goal against the Washington Capitals as Braden Holtby reached into his net to fish out a puck, but the review was deemed to be inconclusive and the goal wasn’t allowed.
Take a look at the play in question:
In this specific instance, the puck looked like it was in the net. Common sense says it was in the net, but there’s no official confirmation.
How has the league not figured out how to avoid plays such as this one? No video angle was available which showed conclusively that the puck was fully over the goal line. That’s not exactly a new problem, and yet here we are playing guessing games about where the puck is inside Holtby’s glove.
Not long ago, the NHL added cameras inside the posts in the goal net. These cameras haven’t really come into play (at least, not during any broadcasts) and they appear to be a bit too high up to offer any insight on plays like this one. Why not try to add one lower, closer to the ice? It may be obstructed as well, but it may shed some light on a play like the one involving Holtby.
Is there other technology which could be deployed? A chip in the puck, for instance, would remove any doubt about whether the puck crossed the line. Previously there were concerns about whether the technology would influence how the puck feels and behaves on the ice, but one would imagine there’s something which could be tested down in the AHL to eventually improve things in the NHL.
Long story short, it’s long past time the NHL conclusively figures out what’s a goal and what’s not. Other leagues have figured out this issue (looking at you, soccer), but the NHL is lagging behind.
