Goalie Interference

[pjgj13 30]

The league should change the rule on this. If he leaves the crease, the chance for a interference call should be wiped out. In the game on Saturday, Nabokov is 5 feet outside the crease and Sammy (?) was skating around and going for a loose puck and runs into him and getting a penalty. If ANYTHING, Nabokov should have gotten the interference call.

I don't want to see goalies get run, but if you leave the crease, they can knock you down and get the puck from you.

Maybe they can change the crease to give the goalie a little more room. Or, make a "2nd crease" so the guys who screen (Homer) can be inside the "2nd crease".

What do you think?

[Doc Holiday 0]

They need to do something about it. Fluery in game 6 last year put himself in front of Franzen and got bowled over, and the announcers thought there should have been a penalty.

That means they agree that Goalies can be obstacles and inerfere with players outside of the crease. I don't agree with that.

They shouldn't be fair game but they shouldn't be protected as much as they are.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Yeah, you're onto something there, Doc. Goalies should never be fair game, but skaters have a right to the ice outside of the crease. If a goalie comes out to make a save and a player is in his way and they collide? So be it.

By that same token, if a goalie comes out to make a save and someone obviously makes no attempt to avoid him and they collide... that's got to be a penalty.

I'm pretty sure this is basically how it's supposed to be right now, in fact, but it's a frustratingly fine line, and the referees have to make judgments on stuff like this in a split second.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

The League has stated time and time again that the rule is being enforced and called properly by all Referees, during the regular season and throughout the playoffs. That's not the case.

[Echolalia 2,961]

Whoever is the space of ice in question should be considered the interferee and whoever bumps into someone who already claims a space of ice is the interferer. But really I wish refs would just use common sense, because it would solve a lot more problems than just this.

[Ms_Hockey 0]

The rule right now says that if the goalie is outside of the trapezoid, he's free game - right? (Just want to check.)

If that is the case, I've seen many times where goalies ARE outside of the trapezoid, but players will bend over backwards to make sure they don't run into them. The fact is, nobody wants to run into the other team's goalie or knock him down on the ice. Teams, including the Wings, would defend their goalie hardcore if that were to happen.

That said, calling interference when the goalie is outside of the crease is just stupid. But again, it's the protective attitude toward goalies.

I think of the goalie as the little girl with ribbons in her hair that all the other players try to protect and keep the opposition away from. (Weird, I know.) But it's that kind of protective nature that the teams hold for their goalie. At least, that's what I've observed. So while calls (like the one on Sammy) aren't exactly legit, it fits in with that mindset.

[Datsyerberger 279]

GI is one of the most inconsistently called and unclear judgement calls in the game, at the moment, behind only hooking, high-stick goals, and kicking with the skate.

[MannyK 16]

I agree 100%. As a goalie, if you leave the crease, you should be just as susceptible as any other player on the ice to get checked if you ahve the puck. A simple solution for the goalie.... DON'T LEAVE THE CREASE if you don't want to get nailed, or just be smart about it.

This would add so much to the game... it really makes me angry that goalies get special privileges when they leave their OWN special crease area.... what's the crease for?!

[Yzersyukstromberg 0]

GI is one of the most inconsistently called and unclear judgement calls in the game, at the moment, behind only hooking, high-stick goals, and kicking with the skate.

So true....it's a 'gray area' rule that gets called way too often, many times in situations just like Sammy's the other night against the Sharks. Meanwhile, the league continually ignores interference calls game after game after game...makes no sense whatsoever.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Yeah, you're onto something there, Doc. Goalies should never be fair game, but skaters have a right to the ice outside of the crease. If a goalie comes out to make a save and a player is in his way and they collide? So be it.

By that same token, if a goalie comes out to make a save and someone obviously makes no attempt to avoid him and they collide... that's got to be a penalty.

I'm pretty sure this is basically how it's supposed to be right now, in fact, but it's a frustratingly fine line, and the referees have to make judgments on stuff like this in a split second.

Agreed. They should absolutely be protected when in the blue area to make a save unimpeded. But if they come outside of that paint to cut off an angle and a player makes contact (I'm talking about during the course of normal play, not running the goalie), there's no way it should be a penalty.

The unfortunate thing is I'm pretty sure in the ruling there's discretion for a ref to call interference no matter what the details of the contact were. If they think the goalie was impeded anywhere in any way, they can call a penalty.

The rule right now says that if the goalie is outside of the trapezoid, he's free game - right? (Just want to check.)

If that is the case, I've seen many times where goalies ARE outside of the trapezoid, but players will bend over backwards to make sure they don't run into them. The fact is, nobody wants to run into the other team's goalie or knock him down on the ice. Teams, including the Wings, would defend their goalie hardcore if that were to happen.

That said, calling interference when the goalie is outside of the crease is just stupid. But again, it's the protective attitude toward goalies.

I think of the goalie as the little girl with ribbons in her hair that all the other players try to protect and keep the opposition away from. (Weird, I know.) But it's that kind of protective nature that the teams hold for their goalie. At least, that's what I've observed. So while calls (like the one on Sammy) aren't exactly legit, it fits in with that mindset.

No, he's not fair game. He's just unable to play the puck.

I used to think that goalies should be fair game for hitting outside the crease and trapezoid, but the reality is even if it was legal, anytime they got hit it would probably lead to an all out brawl on the ice. That'd be fun for a while, but eventually I'd want to watch a hockey game.

[ben_usmc 253]

Yeah, you're onto something there, Doc. Goalies should never be fair game, but skaters have a right to the ice outside of the crease. If a goalie comes out to make a save and a player is in his way and they collide? So be it.

By that same token, if a goalie comes out to make a save and someone obviously makes no attempt to avoid him and they collide... that's got to be a penalty.

I'm pretty sure this is basically how it's supposed to be right now, in fact, but it's a frustratingly fine line, and the referees have to make judgments on stuff like this in a split second.

I already thought that was sa rule, my roomate isn't even a Wings fan and agreed with me on that shouldn't have been a call considering Sammy tried moving away but was pushed in towards him, and the simple fact he was a good foot outside of the crease. But keep in mind we did have the option of replay at first glance I could see why it was called.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

Call a dive on Nabokov for selling what was a rather minor bump.

[ben_usmc 253]

Call a dive on Nabokov for selling what was a rather minor bump.

SJ fans actually complained saying Hossa dove, I think the worst of the game was Jumbo Joe when slashed by Lilja, no way someone as strong on the puck as Joe goes down that easily

[Ms_Hockey 0]

No, he's not fair game. He's just unable to play the puck.

I used to think that goalies should be fair game for hitting outside the crease and trapezoid, but the reality is even if it was legal, anytime they got hit it would probably lead to an all out brawl on the ice. That'd be fun for a while, but eventually I'd want to watch a hockey game.

I stand corrected.

As for the second half of that, that's what I meant with the whole little girl with ribbons analogy - but you said it much better.

[Never_Retire_Steve 35]

Alright, I'll be the devil's advocate on this even though I'm sure I'll be flamed.

I 100% disagree, the goalies are at a huge disadvantage if he is considered "fair game". The equipment severely limits mobility and balance compared to the rest of the skaters. You also have to consider the safety of the player in question, if you start allowing players to hit goalies outside of the crease, what's stopping a player from hitting the goalie after coming out and cutting off the angle 2 feet outside of the crease in the butterfly position and then the goalie gets a career ending concussion or knee injury.

The goalies will get hurt if they get hit as their equipment is not designed to take hits, and you will also be taking them out of the play making it easier for the opposition to score.

[Echolalia 2,961]

A somewhat radical idea would be to expand the crease by about a foot or so, and have this be the goalie's designated area where interference would be called against the player regardless of what happens. However, if the goalie comes out of that crease, even to cut down on an angle from a shot from the point, he is fair game to be interfered with/checked what have you if he gets possession of the puck. Essentially he inherits player rules instead of goalie rules for when he leaves the crease. So if he goes behind the net to play the puck, players are free to check him into the boards. Cleaner cut interference calls will make the fans happier; greater and more frequent scoring chances due to the risks involved with playing pucks behind the net/cutting off angles will make Bettman happy (and perhaps other fans as well). The goalie gets an increased area to make saves safely, so he's happy.

But to be honest, I don't even know what I think of this. It might be too much change for me.

[ComradeWasabi 109]

I can't imagine that actually hitting a goalie who is outside of his crease is going to become acceptable in the near future.

[TheSupafly 50]

SJ fans actually complained saying Hossa dove, I think the worst of the game was Jumbo Joe when slashed by Lilja, no way someone as strong on the puck as Joe goes down that easily

I agree with you guys on the goalie interference call. I think Nabby totally embellished it and it wasn't goalie interference. Also, I don't remember if it was Hossa or someone else that totally took a dive after getting a tap on the shin from a stick, but there was a clear dive from a wings player also. The slash on Big Joe was a very clear slash, but yes, Joe did do a bit of acting to make sure it got called. If the reffing crew called a more consistent game, the players wouldn't have to make a big scene when a penalty happens. The crew the reffed the Sharks/Wings game also reffed the previous Sharks home game (vs the flames) and in both games Frasier and his partner let a lot of things go. I can understand why all the players did what they did. The level of reffing needs to improve, and both Sharks and Wings fans alike can only hope that the best refs make the playoffs and the shoddy ones see no postseason action. The Sharks and Wings are two teams that would obviously benefit from good reffing, letting their skills be used fully.

[Broken 16 381]

Alright, I'll be the devil's advocate on this even though I'm sure I'll be flamed.

I 100% disagree, the goalies are at a huge disadvantage if he is considered "fair game". The equipment severely limits mobility and balance compared to the rest of the skaters. You also have to consider the safety of the player in question, if you start allowing players to hit goalies outside of the crease, what's stopping a player from hitting the goalie after coming out and cutting off the angle 2 feet outside of the crease in the butterfly position and then the goalie gets a career ending concussion or knee injury.

The goalies will get hurt if they get hit as their equipment is not designed to take hits, and you will also be taking them out of the play making it easier for the opposition to score.

This is spot on.

No way goalies can ever be "fair game". Not only that, the game would be almost unwatchable if goalies were afraid to come out of the crease to make a save. Technically, if a goalie comes out to cut the angle and makes a save, he's fair game. After all... he has possession of the puck. You think the line is blurry now? It would be 10X as blurry if the goalies were ever fair game.

Furthermore... hammer the starter, then hammer the back up. What then? Start throwing D-men in goal? Dress 3 goalies in case? Nah. The rule is fine the way it is. The refs are the only problem. Goalies aren't mobile enough to sidestep a check.

Edited January 20, 2009 by Broken 16

[pjgj13 30]

Ok, let's say goalies are not fair game to be checked like a forward or defenseman. What about giving him a love tap, or a bump to knock him off stride? He isn't bodychecked. If he strays out of the crease to play the puck and someone sneaks behind him, give him a nudge to lose his balance and steal the puck.

Make the crease a 5' semicircle (similar to what they had in 80s/90s). In this area, the goalie cannot be touched. An opposing player CAN go into the crease for deflections, loose puck and so on. Outside this 5' arc, if you are a goalie, you can get bumped and "interferred" with, without a GI penalty.

[Never_Retire_Steve 35]

This is spot on.

No way goalies can ever be "fair game". Not only that, the game would be almost unwatchable if goalies were afraid to come out of the crease to make a save. Technically, if a goalie comes out to cut the angle and makes a save, he's fair game. After all... he has possession of the puck. You think the line is blurry now? It would be 10X as blurry if the goalies were ever fair game.

Furthermore... hammer the starter, then hammer the back up. What then? Start throwing D-men in goal? Dress 3 goalies in case? Nah. The rule is fine the way it is. The refs are the only problem. Goalies aren't mobile enough to sidestep a check.

Glad to see someone agrees with me

[Broken 16 381]

Ok, let's say goalies are not fair game to be checked like a forward or defenseman. What about giving him a love tap, or a bump to knock him off stride? He isn't bodychecked. If he strays out of the crease to play the puck and someone sneaks behind him, give him a nudge to lose his balance and steal the puck.

Make the crease a 5' semicircle (similar to what they had in 80s/90s). In this area, the goalie cannot be touched. An opposing player CAN go into the crease for deflections, loose puck and so on. Outside this 5' arc, if you are a goalie, you can get bumped and "interferred" with, without a GI penalty.

Define nudge... Thats an even bigger gray area. I'm pretty sure a nudge coming from Hudler would be a little different than a nudge coming from, say... Hossa or Franzen. Not only that, every ref will have a different definition of nudge. The goal here is consistency. Best not to complicate things any further for the refs. Most of em can barely handle a game now... even with two of em watching. Allowing goalies to be nudged and bumped on any level will eventually lead to pandemonium and confusion on most nights.

[OsyGood 0]

Goalies should be fair game, but I believe to an extent. I play goalie, have for 9 years, remember the fact that players couldnt be in the crease at all? What a nightmare for the NHL, and when they tried to adapt that in the league I was in. I have actually used the fact that being a goalie im pretty much untouchable to play the puck, or try to make plays.

If there in my crease I like to do the "how ya doin" and put my stick in front of there skates, not tripping them, but when they take of, my stick accidently trips them. Its not playing dirty really, its just what goalies always get away with. Its insane. Watch a game when your there live, and see how much the goalies do. They just about give players whip lash who stand in front of the net. I dunno how Holm does it.

[Broken 16 381]

Goalies should be fair game, but I believe to an extent. I play goalie, have for 9 years, remember the fact that players couldnt be in the crease at all? What a nightmare for the NHL, and when they tried to adapt that in the league I was in. I have actually used the fact that being a goalie im pretty much untouchable to play the puck, or try to make plays.

If there in my crease I like to do the "how ya doin" and put my stick in front of there skates, not tripping them, but when they take of, my stick accidently trips them. Its not playing dirty really, its just what goalies always get away with. Its insane. Watch a game when your there live, and see how much the goalies do. They just about give players whip lash who stand in front of the net. I dunno how Holm does it.

Until there is a clear definition of what "to an extent" means, any attempt to make goalies "fair game" will fail miserably. Furthermore, players will continue to push the envelope until, ultimately, a goalie is injured. Your a goalie, you know that they don't grow on trees. Telling refs that goalies are fair game "to an extent"... do you really want to put more judgement calls in the refs hands? Awful idea.