Towards the end of an insane second period, Evgeni Malkin completed a hat trick to give the Penguins a 6-5 lead. But the tally was controversial.

Capitals Head Coach Barry Trotz challenged the call on the ice because goaltender Philipp Grubauer was taken out by Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist. After nearly a ten-minute review (on a tiny tablet), Frederick L’Ecuyer and Dan O’Halloran ruled that the goal would stand.

Video

As Daniel Winnik slides to take away a pass, the Caps forward slides his hand toward Hornqvist. Hornqvist trips over Winnik’s left glove and slides into Philipp Grubauer. Malkin chips the puck over Grubauer’s outstretched pad.

The overhead view shows Grubauer was in position initially before being slid into.

According to the NHL, the goal stood because “the actions of Washington’s Daniel Winnik caused Pittsburgh’s Patric Hornqvist to contact Grubauer before the puck crossed the goal line.”

At 17:19 of the second period in the Capitals/Penguins game, Washington requested a Coach’s Challenge to review whether a Pittsburgh player interfered with Washington goaltender Philipp Grubauer prior to Evgeni Malkin’s goal.

After reviewing all available replays and consulting with NHL Hockey Operations staff, the Referee confirmed that the actions of Washington’s Daniel Winnik caused Pittsburgh’s Patric Hornqvist to contact Grubauer before the puck crossed the goal line. The decision was made in accordance with Note 2 of Rule 78.7 (ii) which states, in part, that the goal on the ice should be allowed because “the attacking Player was pushed, shoved or fouled by a defending Player causing the attacking Player to come into contact with the goalkeeper.”

Therefore the original call stands – good goal Pittsburgh Penguins.

Since the Coach’s Challenge did not result in the original call being overturned, the Washington Capitals forfeit their time-out.

What do you guys think?

.@NHL Hey team, quick question for you. No rush, just when you get a chance. What is goalie interference?

— RMNB (@russianmachine) January 17, 2017

Full Coverage of Caps at Pittsburgh