Lots of debate this week regarding the NHL’s rather dumb hand-pass rule. Let’s just say that Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper was not amused. In a game between Tampa and the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Lightning appeared to have tied the game late in the third period. But shortly after the goal, the league’s ridiculous review system — a.k.a. the NHL Situation Room — initiated a video review and determined that earlier in the play, Lightning forward Brandon Hagel had committed an illegal hand pass, redirecting the puck to a teammate. The goal was overturned, and the game remained 4–3 in Pittsburgh’s favour.
The overturned goal sparked immediate frustration — particularly from Cooper, who called the decision “laughable.” Cooper argued that Hagel wasn’t trying to pass the puck — he raised his hand instinctively to protect his face from a shot.
Two days later, a game between Columbus and Florida saw a somewhat similar play ruled the other way, this time involving Panthers forward Brad Marchand. In this instance, the goal was allowed to stand when the Situation Room geniuses decided the puck merely deflected off Marchand’s glove.
All of which begs the question: What’s wrong with a hand pass anyway? After all, a hand pass is already legal in the defensive zone. In addition, players can kick a pass, head-butt a pass, or hip-check a pass while imitating Chubby Checker doing the Twist. But heaven forbid, do not bat the puck to someone with your hand.
Here’s where the real stupidity kicks in: In a league starved for more goals, the ability to hand pass in the defensive zone favours the defending team and reduces goal-scoring opportunities. Similarly, banning hand passes in the neutral and offensive zones further benefits the defending team and undoubtedly reduces potential scoring plays.
Well done, NHL — why not turn the nets around as well? Or place orange traffic cones in front of the goal crease area? Or insist only shots along the ice count as a good goal?
After all, we wouldn’t want goal-scoring to get out of hand.
