The history of replay review in the NHL has been marked by two crucial moments that have shaped its current state. The first was in 1999 during the Stanley Cup Final when Brett Hull scored a controversial goal for the Dallas Stars. The goal, which should have been disallowed due to Hull being in the crease, instead stood, leading to the NHL eventually ditching the crease rule that summer. The second moment came in 2013 when Colorado’s Matt Duchene scored a goal despite being offside by a significant margin. This play led to calls for replay review in the NHL, which eventually became a reality.
Fast forward to the present, and Duchene is once again at the center of a controversial replay review, this time involving a potential goaltender interference call in Game 6 of the playoffs. The call on the ice was no goal due to contact in the blue paint, but after a review, the call stood despite many fans disagreeing. The author argues that replay reviews have become more of a hindrance than a help, causing confusion, frustration, and anger among fans and players alike. The subjective nature of goaltender interference calls and the difficulty of determining offside calls have made replay reviews more trouble than they’re worth.
The author suggests a radical solution to the replay review problem: get rid of it entirely. While there are other ways to improve the system, the author argues that eliminating replay review for interference and offside calls is the best and simplest solution. The current system has led to more controversy and confusion, with fans and players alike becoming increasingly frustrated with the process. By going back to accepting that there will be missed calls from time to time, the author believes that the NHL can move past the current broken system and improve the overall fan experience.
Replay reviews have become a source of constant arguments and frustrations among fans, players, and officials. The author argues that the NHL should scrap replay review for interference and offside calls, as they are subjective and often lead to more confusion than clarity. By accepting that missed calls are a part of the game and moving away from a system that disrupts the flow of play and causes unnecessary controversy, the NHL can improve the overall fan experience and restore faith in the officiating process.
By referencing past controversial moments in NHL history, such as the Brett Hull goal in 1999, the author highlights the flaws in the current replay review system and the need for change. The author suggests that eliminating replay review for certain calls, such as interference and offside, is the best way to address the issues that have arisen from the current system. By taking a bold step to scrap replay review, the NHL can move forward and focus on enhancing the fan experience and restoring faith in the officiating process.
