How NHL Coach’s Challenges Work Explainer
An NHL coach’s challenge asks officials to review a goal for a defined type of potential error. Reviewable situations include offside before the goal, missed stoppages in the attacking zone, and certain goaltender-interference decisions under the rulebook.
The team must request the challenge promptly after the goal and identify the basis. Video officials examine the available angles and communicate with the on-ice referees. The goal is changed only when the review standard is met; inconclusive evidence leaves the original call in place.
An unsuccessful challenge brings a delay-of-game penalty, with escalating consequences for additional failed challenges as specified by the current rules. That risk discourages speculative reviews. A successful challenge corrects the call and does not impose the penalty.
Not every review is coach-initiated. The league’s Situation Room can initiate reviews in circumstances covered by the rules, especially late in games or overtime. Watch the bench signal, the announced challenge category, and the final explanation to understand what evidence was actually considered.
Defined goal-related issues such as offside, missed attacking-zone stoppages, and applicable goaltender-interference calls.
An unsuccessful challenge results in a delay-of-game penalty, with stronger consequences for later failed challenges.
Yes. The NHL Situation Room can initiate reviews in circumstances provided by the rulebook.
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