‘That was clearly goalie interference’: Hellebuyck slams ruling on coach’s challenge By: Ken Wiebe Posted: 3:07 PM CST Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 Last Modified: 4:46 PM CST Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 Updates

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Connor Hellebuyck wasn’t interested in taking the high road.

Even after having the opportunity to sleep on it, the Winnipeg Jets’ all-world goaltender voiced his frustration at the latest coach’s challenge for goalie interference not going his way.

That frustration stemmed from the first goal scored by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel on Sunday afternoon, one that came after winger Conor Geekie clearly pushed Hellebuyck’s right pad into the net, preventing him from having the opportunity to reset and try to stop the rebound chance.

“That was clearly goalie interference,” Hellebuyck said after Monday’s on-ice session was complete.

“Everyone that I know and the majority of the people in the hockey world know that was goalie interference. The only guys that didn’t think so were the guys in charge of making the call, which is unfortunate.”

The explanation sent out by the NHL situation room said no goalie interference had occurred since Geekie was making a play on the loose puck in the crease and cited rule 69.7.

“Incidental contact is going for the puck and maybe pushing the pad or hitting the glove or something that is around the puck,” said Hellebuyck.

“When you miss the puck and drive the goalie three feet into the net, that’s no longer incidental contact. That’s, ‘Oh, I missed the puck and this is the only thing I can do to affect the play.’

“When you miss the puck and drive the goalie three feet into the net, that’s no longer incidental contact.”–Connor Hellebuyck

“If they want to make puck-first contact, so be it. I’m good if that puck is loose and you’re making puck-first contact and you make that a battle, I’m good with that if you drive us into the net. If you put the puck on the pad and drive the pad into the net, it’s no goal,” said Hellebuyck.

“So why was that counted last night when he didn’t have the puck, regardless of where it is, it’s the same output… I’m kind of confused about what was missed on that play.”

The Jets continue a four-game homestand on Tuesday against Utah HC, opening a stretch of three consecutive games against Central Division opponents.

“We’d challenge that every time. They made the decision. We have to live with it.”–Coach Scott Arniel

After Sunday’s game, Jets head coach Scott Arniel calmly expressed his surprise at the decision that was made after the video review.

“We’d challenge that every time. They made the decision. We have to live with it,” said Arniel. “We all saw what we saw. I just felt like Helly never had the chance to make the next save.

“I understand the first part, but the next part was that he didn’t have a chance to make the next save. That was the beef for us.”

The failed coach’s challenge left the Jets shorthanded for delay-of-game and the Lightning extended the lead to 2-0 when Brayden Point scored on a one-timer from the slot.

Despite the 2-0 deficit, the Jets rallied to defeat the Lightning 7-4 to improve to 11-1 on the season.

Hellebuyck has expressed his frustration on multiple occasions during his NHL career with the grey area surrounding the rules surrounding goalie interference and even tried to help lend his thoughts on the matter.

Two years ago, Hellebuyck made a 45-minute presentation to the competition committee, laying the groundwork for changes he feels are necessary to make it more cut and dried, rather than a reliance on interpretation.

Hellebuyck fears the examples he raised have fallen on deaf ears.

“I’ve tried my best to help over the last four or five years, and I’m getting to a point in my career where I’m a little more family-oriented and if it’s not going to get anywhere, then I might move it on to the next guy and pass it on,” said Hellebuyck.

“I’ve tried to help and I’ve tried to make it more black and white. I know that sometimes it’s going to be a tough call, but I’ve brought in clips similar to that exact play (on Sunday) and I’ve explained why I think that’s goalie interference and I guess they just don’t agree.”

Hellebuyck explained that as part of his presentation, he created a chart with plays that happened inside and outside the crease and another with goal or no goal and he brought a number of clips he felt should fall into either category, augmenting his thoughts on each play with bullet points.

Although he figured his idea could use some refinement, he felt it represented a starting point that could lead to more clarity.

“I know they definitely listened, but I don’t think they were willing to go in the direction I was trying to go,” said Hellebuyck. “I know they have (the presentation). I don’t know if they’re doing anything with it.

“That being said, it’s just a continued battle that I’m going to have to continue to fight if we really want this to be black and white. Or you guys can just talk about it for the remainder of our hockey careers, that would give you guys a talking point.”

What didn’t fall into the category of grey area was the way the Jets regrouped and responded to the early adversity related to the decision made by the referees, in consultation with the NHL situation room.

“We just knew we got screwed and you’ve got to keep playing.”–Connor Hellebuyck

“There were a few things said by our captain and a few guys. We just knew we got screwed and you’ve got to keep playing,” said Hellebuyck, who was asked if he shared any of his frustration in the room between the first and second periods.

“We came out with a lot of energy and we did what we needed to do.”

Hellebuyck continues to do what he needs to do, though he hasn’t been leaned on quite as heavily in the early going.

“There are some times where I’m needed more than others. This good stretch that we’ve been on, I’ve felt like I’ve had just a front row seat to everything that’s been going on,” said Hellebuyck.

“I’ve just got to make sure that I don’t let anything easy go in and you don’t let the game get out of hand around you. The guys have been playing so good in front of me and I’m able to see everything and control everything.

“We’re not even giving up a whole lot of zone time right now. I’ve just got to be ready for when I’m needed. Right now, they’re buzzing and doing everything right.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X: @WiebesWorld