Watch: Malkin's goal upheld despite goaltender interference challenge
Malkin dives at the rebound, slides into Price, and the puck goes in off Malkin's calf. Body-bowling is a surprisingly effective strategy. pic.twitter.com/YQHfqqG3TS
— Paul Campbell (@WayToGoPaul) March 21, 2018
On the same day the league committed to addressing the topic of goaltender interference, it was front and center Wednesday night when Evgeni Malkin's first-period goal on Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens was upheld despite a coach's challenge from Claude Julien.
A subsequent explanation from the NHL stated that the play was challenged to review whether Malkin interfered with Price, and it was determined that no goaltender interference infractions occurred.
The league's general managers officially recommended a change to the goaltender interference review process, proposing that hockey operations should have the final call rather than the on-ice officials.
Following the proposal, the NHLPA agreed to the change Wednesday evening. It now needs to be approved by the league's Board of Governors before it can be implemented.
Malkin's goal was his 41st of the season.