Penguins take 'extraordinary step' in protest of Bettman and player safety's treatment of goalie interference
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Penguins have made it clear to the NHL that they disagree with a recent ruling of goaltender interference by tweeting out the exact rule from the NHL rulebook in protest.
There has been plenty of scrutiny in recent days because of the controversial ruling by NHL Department of Player Safety head George Parros, giving Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas only five games for kneeing Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews and ending his season.
But now, another part of the NHL is in the crosshairs of another frustrated team, just as the Maple Leafs voiced their discontent with the DPS's ruling.
The Pittsburgh Penguins were incensed that a goal today by the Winnipeg Jets was allowed to stand from Morgan Barron, who made contact with defenseman Erik Karlsson, who then fell into goalie Arturs Silovs.
The Penguins challenged for goaltender interference, but lost the challenge, and not only did the goal stand but they were given a delay of game penalty because of the lost challenge.
In response, the Penguins tweeted out the official rule from the rulebook saying that by the letter of the law, the goal should have been disallowed.
If a defending player has been pushed, shoved, or fouled by an attacker as so to cause the defending player to come in contact with his own goalkeeper, such contact shall be deemed contact initiated by the attacking player for purposes of this rule, and necessary a penalty assessed to the attacking player and if a goal is scored it would be disallowed. - NHL Rule 69.1
The NHL Has Come Under Intense Scrutiny
The NHL has faced intensifying scrutiny in recent days because of the Parros decision regarding Gudas and Matthews, causing even Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid to suggest an audit process is needed for the DPS.
In response, Parros defiantly said that he thinks he's doing his job up to standard, and he was met with accusations of being completely tone deaf and arrogant.
Now, goalie interference calls, which have been completely inconsistent, could be making a run to the forefront of criticism.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 21|174 ANSWERS Penguins take 'extraordinary step' in protest of Bettman and player safety's treatment of goalie interference Do you anticipate a punishment coming down from the NHL to the Penguins because of this? | ||
| Yes | 82 | 47.1 % |
| No | 92 | 52.9 % |
| List of polls | ||