Goaltender interference decisions leave both the Islanders and Blue Jackets confused

The six-game skid finally ended for the Blue Jackets on Monday night. In a game that unexpectedly became one of the wildest finishes of the season, they overcame a slow start and plenty of adversity to pick up a 4-3 win in the shootout.

The New York Islanders dominated the first period, out-shooting the Jackets 17-6 and holding a 2-0 lead at the first intermission. It could have easily been a 4 or 5 goal deficit if not for some timely saves from Elvis Merzlikins.

The second period went much the same way, with the Islanders controlling the puck for much of the frame. But, the Jackets persevered and started to find their game. A couple of quick rush goals tied the game with under three minutes left in the period.

First, Adam Fantilli showed off his speed and shot with a wicked wrister that caught Ilya Sorokin off guard, finding the top corner 5:13 into the period and narrowing the game to 2-1. Then, Boone Jenner picked up a long clearing attempt and skated down the wing, similarly catching Sorokin off guard with a puck that found its way in; tying the game with less than three minutes left in the period.

But, as is often the case on Long Island, this didn't seem like their night. The Islanders again took control of the possession battle, and it paid off. With 48 seconds left in the period, Anders Lee scored the tying goal after crashing the net and deflecting a puck behind Merzlikins. Though, that isn't the entire story here.

Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason took his time watching the replays before using a coach's challenge for goaltender interference. At a first glance, I thought this was a bad idea. At real speed, the contact looked to be minimal. Upon replay, though? You be the judge:

To me, it's obvious that Lee's stick hacked Merzlikins' glove, just as he was starting to reach out for the puck. His follow through also clipped the mask - which might have been the reason for uproar to the naked eye - but, that was after the puck had gone by.

I can see the officials ignoring the stick to the mask. But, the glove was clearly interfered with here and I think this one should have been called back. Of course, the Jackets lost the challenge and wound up shorthanded because of it. It wasn't the last time we would see goaltender interference controversy on this night.

The Jackets played much better hockey in the third period, finding a tying goal from Kirill Marchenko at the 12:56 mark. Afte the goal was scored, they continued to work hard and win puck battles. It felt like they were going to find a way to win this thing, but the Islanders had one last trick up their sleeves.

They seemingly won the game on a goal scored with 9 seconds left. But official Michael Markovic quickly waived it off, before skating to center ice for a conference with senior official Wes McCauley. They announced a review for goaltender interference. We knew this one wouldn't go our way, either. Or would it?

What is goaltender interference?

On the replays, it was obvious that Islanders forward Kyle Palmieri went to the blue paint. There was contact right on the edge of the crease between him and Merzlikins. Fans from both sides have claimed the other guy caused it, but in my opinion, that's moot. What we do know is that Palmieri wasn't forced into that space, and they made contact. See for yourself:

Did that inhibit the goaltender's ability to play his position? Yes, momentarily. Where the Islanders have a valid complaint here is that Elvis does seem to have been able to reset and prepare for the shot. There's a split second where you can see him set and ready, before the puck goes by and into the net.

Even in my (obviously biased) opinion, this goal should have counted. But, I think the third Islanders goal should have been called back. So in the end, it comes out as a wash. I guess as long as the end result is the same?

I can't explain how the league came up with either of these decisions. Maybe they dug further into the first call and decided they had to call one the other way? From a fan's perspective, they got them both completely wrong. That's an issue on a much larger scale. If the fans feel like these should be ruled differently, maybe it's time for the league to clarify its goaltender interference rule with better verbiage.

Even up call. Karma. Whatever you want to call it, I'm just happy the Jackets found a way to win.