Coach’s challenge, icing rules among expected topics at GM meetings
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Is the coach’s challenge working as well as it should in the NHL?
General managers will discuss the effectiveness of the review process when they gather this week for annual meetings in Boca Raton, Fla., with potential tweaks to the shootout and icing as well as a review of new goalie equipment also on the docket. The meetings will feature a 31st GM for the first time with George McPhee of the newly minted Vegas Golden Knights expected to attend.
Instituted at the beginning of 2015-16 season, the coach’s challenge system — which allows coaches to flag goals for video review — has not been without hiccups. Confusion has lingered over the precise definition of goaltender interference when it comes to overturning a goal and there has been evident frustration with the offside element of the review process.
A goal for Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad was notably called back during the playoffs last spring in a game his club ultimately lost in overtime to the New York Islanders.