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Controversial Goaltender Interference Challenge in Bruins-Panthers Series
In a recent matchup in the NHL playoffs between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers, yet another controversial goaltender interference challenge took place. This incident occurred just two days after a similar event where Sam Bennett of the Panthers was awarded a disputed goal in a Game 4 victory. This time, it was the Bruins who found themselves at the center of the controversy.
Game 5 Drama
During Game 5, with the score deadlocked at 1-1, Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy seemed to have given his team a crucial 2-1 lead by beating Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky with a powerful shot. However, Panthers coach Paul Maurice decided to challenge the goal for potential goaltender interference, as it appeared that Bruins forward Danton Heinen may have influenced Bobrovsky’s ability to make the save by touching his pad with his stick.
After a thorough review, referees Steve Kozari and Kyle Rehman concluded that there was no goaltender interference on the play, and McAvoy’s goal stood. This ruling was met with displeasure from the Panthers’ fans in attendance.
Rulebook Reference
According to Rule 69.3 of the NHL rulebook, if a goaltender is in the process of establishing his position within the crease and makes contact with an attacking player in the crease, resulting in a hinderance to the goalkeeper’s ability to defend the goal, any subsequent goal scored will be disallowed. In this case, Bobrovsky was positioned near the top of his crease when the alleged interference by Heinen occurred.
With the validation of both McAvoy’s goal and Bennett’s from Game 4, it is noteworthy that four out of five goaltender interference challenges in this postseason have been upheld. As a consequence of the failed challenge, the Panthers received a two-minute delay of game penalty, which they successfully killed off.
As the Panthers hold a 3-1 series lead, the Bruins are facing a must-win situation in the next game to keep their season alive.
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