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Evgeni Malkin flames referees for controversial goaltender interference rule leading to Penguins loss
Tonight, Evgeni Malkin has taken to the media to call out NHL officials for their inconsistent calls on goaltender interference this season.
Goaltender interference has been a rule that has grown consistently more controversial over the last couple of seasons with fans and players not understanding what counts as interference anymore.
Today, the line was blurred even more when early in the Penguins and Rangers game a goal was called back by the referees that looked like a clean play.
After the game, Penguins assistant captain Evgeni Malkin spoke to the media and called out the referees and the NHL for inconsistent rules and application when it comes to goaltender interference.
Evgeni Malkin calls out referees for controversial goaltender interference call
During the post game, a frustrated Malkin admitted he does not understand the goaltender interference rules anymore.
He referenced the similiar play against the Devils where Arturs Silovs was interfered with in an identical way but no call was made against the Devils.
But today, the Penguins once again have the call go against them this time losing a costly goal that would ultimately lead to a loss.
And this goal, I don't know why it's interference. Sometimes I'm not understand the rules. We play Jersey at home, and it's the same. Arturs tried to stop the puck, and the forward touched his glove.
This sentiment from Malkin is one that is shared by many across the league who believe goaltender interference rules are too complicated and subjective leading to incorrect calls.
While the NHL has not addressed the situation all it will take is one crucial call in a big moment for this rule to truly become a problem.
As the playoffs roll around it will be interesting to see if this rule plays a factor in the outcome of a playoff game or not.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Arturs Silovs reacts to Bryan Rust no-goal as NHL goalie interference standard stays unclear
Arturs Silovs reacts to Bryan Rust no-goal as NHL goalie interference standard stays unclear
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 28|134 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin flames referees for controversial goaltender interference rule leading to Penguins loss Do you think the right call was made? | ||
| Yes | 27 | 20.1 % |
| No | 107 | 79.9 % |
| List of polls | ||