Thatcher Demko criticizes Adam Foote's decision following Canucks' loss
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko was not a happy camper following his team's loss, and criticized Adam Foote for deciding not to challenge a call on the ice.
To challenge or not, this was the dilemma for both the Vancouver Canucks and goalie Thatcher Demko. In the first period of the game on Saturday, a puck went behind Demko and into the goal crease.
Demko covered the puck with the blocker, but Ryan Reaves pushed his arm into the net.
What Thatcher Demko said in his post-game comments
The goal stood, and the Canucks opted not to challenge. Demko was not happy about this in his post-game comments, criticizing his coach's decision.
"I thought we should have challenged the first one," he told reporters following the loss.
"When I found it, I got my hand on top of it and swept it out, and then he pushed my entire arm in the net."
"I mean, you see challenges where guys are jabbing legs and whatever else in the net, and they usually get called back."
- Thatcher Demko
"When I found it, I got my hand on top of it and swept it out, and then he pushed my entire arm in the net."
"I mean, you see challenges where guys are jabbing legs and whatever else in the net, and they usually get called back."
- Thatcher Demko
The reasoning behind the no challenge was later explained by the Canucks' coach, Adam Foote.
"Our guys know the rule," Foote said. "After a rebound, when a goaltender and a player are simultaneously going after that puck at once, the rule states it's not going to be called back."
"It was hard to see on that angle if he had it completely covered, but our guys didn't think that one was going to get called back."
- Adam Foote
"It was hard to see on that angle if he had it completely covered, but our guys didn't think that one was going to get called back."
- Adam Foote
Why Thatcher Demko may have had a solid point to challenge
So, who was in the right here? It's difficult to say. Some recent instances in goalie interference situations, such as the challenged goal against Toronto earlier this month for Jason Dickinson, may suggest that Demko had a point.
Then again, Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar challenged one this season, and he lost, which seems to align with Foote's decision not to challenge that corresponds with the NHL's ruling on the matter.
"In a rebound situation, or where a goalkeeper and attacking player(s) are simultaneously attempting to play a loose puck, whether inside or outside the crease, incidental contact with the goalkeeper will be permitted, and any goal that is scored as a result thereof will be allowed."
- NHL Rulebook
- NHL Rulebook
Compared to other seasons, goalie interference challenges have fared poorly. The success rate on these challenges stands at 13-31, which is 29 per cent, much lower than the 50 per cent standard over the last four seasons and the 60 per cent standard of the previous season.
In light of the above, it's not difficult to understand where the conflict of opinion may arise between Demko and the Canucks' coaching staff regarding challenging the call. In almost all situations, the Canucks will come out on the short end of the challenge.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 28 | 201 ANSWERS Thatcher Demko criticizes Adam Foote's decision following Canucks' loss Should Adam Foote have challenged that call on the ice? | ||
| Yes | 164 | 81.6 % |
| No | 37 | 18.4 % |
| List of polls | ||