I know that headline is confusing, but that makes it a perfect representation of where we currently are with the NHL's enforcement of goaltender interference. I'll be the first to say that there was a lot going on during that play. So much in fact that I didn't even realize that Joe Pavelski was the one to eventually bat the puck home until the third or fourth replay. I am certainly not going to reprimand the officials for immediately waving it off when the situation was too hectic and unorthodox not to. I won't even criticize them for going into the booth and upholding the call on ice when - by the book - it was legal.
If I was a member of the Sharks I could give you about 10 reasons why that goal should have counted. Pekke Rinne was already out of the crease. Joe Pavelski was not only shoved from behind by Paul Gaustad when he was at his most vulnerable, but he was then directed into the Predators prone goaltender by the hip of Shea Weber. As if that wasn't enough, he made sure to get his stick on the puck before it crossed the goal line with an effort that was so tremendous that it's a damn shame it was for naught. Basically Joe Pavelski did exactly what he was supposed to do by driving to the net and his goal didn't count solely because of the actions of the team that it was scored against.
All that being said, you would think I would be on the side of San Jose. Unfortunately, the NHL has spent all season putting me in a position where I can't be. At some point during the institution of the Coach's Challenge we decided to start treating goaltenders like quarterbacks. The smallest of bumps - whether it be by teammate or opponent - have taken dozens upon dozens of those precious goals the NHL cares sooooo much about directly off the scoreboard. It doesn't even matter who initiated the contact, because any time a goalie's ability to make a play on a loose puck has been limited the resulting goal has been disallowed. Given their importance to the game that's not the worst thing in the world. However, we need to adjust the rule book accordingly, because as of right now it states the San Jose Sharks were robbed last night. Semantically speaking they have every right to be pissed, but with the precedent that's been set they have no reason to complain. With so much on the line it's pretty amazing that the NHL has failed to put that fairly obvious point of contention in writing.
P.S. Need a headache to help you get out of work? Try explaining the difference between goaltender interference that is worthy of a penalty and goaltender interference that's not in less than 300 words.