Oilers Coach Knoblauch Rips the NHL for Inconsistent Goalie Interference Calls

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Liam McCormick
October 16, 2024 (11:36)

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In just four games, the Edmonton Oilers have found themselves on the wrong side of goalie interference calls three times, and now the coach is asking for an explanation.

Goalie interference calls have been confusing NHL fans in the last few years with the difference of what is and what isn't considered an infraction, and Knoblauch is feeling the same. The Oilers coach said after the game that the NHL that he has no clear idea what goalie interference is anymore.

REPORTER: Do you feel you have clarity on what is or isn't goaltender interference?

KNOBLAUCH: Well, I saw the goal that got disallowed today in Vancouver. I thought that was very similar. So I guess to answer your question, no I don't.

The Oilers challenged the first goal against of the game from Matvei Michkov for interference, a play where the forward was jamming the goalie's pad to force the puck into the net.

The goal that Knoblauch is referring to in Vancouver happened just hours prior to the Oilers game. Lightning forward Michael Eyssimont had an extremely similar play where he jammed the puck along the goaltender's pads, and the goal was overturned for interference.

Knoblauch is surely right to make the comparison between these two plays - they're essentially the same goal. If the NHL is going to rule one of them a good goal and the other goalie interference, there's simply not enough distinction or clarity to make a correct call. Jamming at the puck in the crease is a classic hockey play anyway, and perhaps only the more extreme offences should be overturned for interference.

It's extremely rare to hear an NHL coach be even remotely critical towards the referees or the rules, and Knoblauch was able to criticize them here in a very mild way. Earlier this week as well, Corey Perry had a controversial goal overturned for interference.

When an NHL coach admits that he has no idea what a rule means anymore, the rule has become too convoluted and improperly enforced. Whatever the NHL seems to want to call, their referees can't align on what the proper call is. Goalie interference is a total mess in the league right now, and needs an entire overhaul.