LNH: Controversial Penalty Sparks Potential Changes in Hockey
The NHL is considering updates to its video review process following a controversial penalty call involving Lane Hutson and Marcus Foligno. This discussion comes after Hutson received a penalty for tripping Foligno at the Wild’s blue line, even though there was no contact between the players. The incident raised questions about the current review policies and the potential for flexibility in future officiating.
Controversial Penalty Sparks NHL Review Discussion
Referee Eric Furlatt later apologized to Hutson during the game. NHL analyst Darren Dreger noted that this situation could have been resolved if officials had been allowed 30 seconds to review the play on a tablet at the penalty bench. Currently, referees can review calls for high-sticking penalties or major penalties, but not for lesser infractions.
Implications of the Call
Dreger highlighted the seriousness of the situation by questioning what might have happened if this scenario had occurred during the playoffs. Such a call could have devastating consequences for a team’s chances during a crucial moment. According to Dreger, the NHL is actively discussing whether to implement changes to address these types of officiating errors.
Current Review Policy
- Referees can currently review:
- High-sticking penalties
- Major penalties
- Referees cannot review:
- Minor penalties
- Tripping calls, such as in the Hutson-Foligno case
Dreger’s comments emphasize that the fast pace of the sport leads to mistakes every game. However, he argues that officials could easily correct clear errors given the opportunity to review critical plays. The NHL’s current discussions signal a potential shift towards enhancing the accuracy of game officiating and maintaining fairness on the ice.
