Goalie interference in the NHL and timing of contact

[timelydew]

If an offensive player "interferes" with the goalie AFTER the puck is clearly going to be entering the net, and has passed him, is it a legal goal? What I mean is, the shot taken has already clearly passed the goalie, and is on its way to passing over the goal line, when the offensive player who is nearby "interferes" with the goalie as this is happening.

 

I am asking this on behalf of my friend, who is new to watching hockey this year, so I'm trying to help him understand basic situations. I explained to him that it should count if it passes the goalie prior to the contact, and the ref could still penalize a player making contact after the fact (with the goal counting) if he deems it deliberate and egregious enough. I'll admit that the post-goal call is rare, but if the contact is severe enough, the ref has latitude. My friend saw me posting here, though, and wants the board's opinion too. I can't blame him. I'm curious to see feedback myself.

 

So, I say it counts if the puck is determined by the refs as already going by the goalie who couldn't save it, even if the offensive player bumps into him immediately after (and technically before it crosses the line). He says he gets confused because he's heard goals counted because no interference occurred before the "puck crossed the line", but what if it was about to and obviously was gonna be a goal? I'll stop asking questions and contribute more to the board in the coming days and weeks!

[WingNut722]

I think the purpose of Goaltender interference is to prohibit skaters from preventing the goalie from "doing his job" in stopping the puck.  If the puck has already passed the goaltender at the time he is interfered with, I say good goal.  But it is on on-ice judgement call by the referee and should by reviewable via coach's challenge.  Pertinent factors include clear momentum of the puck (it's clearly not going to stop on the goal line), and a distinct effort by the goaltender to retrieve the puck prior to crossing (the act of turning around in the crease, etc.)

[timelydew]

6 hours ago, WingNut722 said:

I think the purpose of Goaltender interference is to prohibit skaters from preventing the goalie from "doing his job" in stopping the puck.  If the puck has already passed the goaltender at the time he is interfered with, I say good goal.  But it is on on-ice judgement call by the referee and should by reviewable via coach's challenge.  Pertinent factors include clear momentum of the puck (it's clearly not going to stop on the goal line), and a distinct effort by the goaltender to retrieve the puck prior to crossing (the act of turning around in the crease, etc.)

Thanks for the response. It's really a pretty easy question, but nuanced enough so you need to pause and think about it. He's satisfied with my answer, and yours, for that matter. It's definitely a goal in the framework of the question 

[WingNut722]

No thankthss nessthsethary, my good man!  I justht happened to be in the neighborhood!!