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Capitals goal disallowed due to (debatable) goalie interference by Backstrom

Goalie interference calls can be ... nebulous. That confusion is only compounded in the playoffs, when officials are under the microscope when every game and twist means that much more.

The NHL can be relieved that a decision to waive off a goal due to goalie interference likely won’t make a big impact in Game 4 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals, but it could have been significant.

(Especially when Auston Matthews made Washington’s lead shrink to a mere goal; the Caps restored it soon after.)

You can watch the disallowed goal in the video above. Here’s the NHL Situation Room Blog explanation:

After reviewing all available replays and consulting with NHL Hockey Operations staff, the Referee determined that Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom interfered with Toronto goaltender Frederik Andersen.

Sign that things aren’t as clear as they could be: Roberto Luongo joke.