Penguins’ Sullivan Sounds Off on Disallowed Goal

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan was not a fan of the Penguins’ disallowed goal for goalie interference. Speaking after the Penguins lost to the Buffalo Sabres, Sullivan disagreed with the call, though his words lacked the incendiary quality of his tone.

Late in the first period, the Penguins appeared to score the tying goal, but after a review, referees took it off the board.

Penguins LW Jake Guentzel skated past the crease as Sidney Crosby let loose a wrist shot. Crosby’s shot was headed for the far post, but Guentzel made contact with Buffalo goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukonen.

Overhead replays showed the contact turn Luukonen’s head to the left as the shot approached. Sullivan had a few points of contention. You can see Guentzel’s disallowed goal here.

“I didn’t think it was goalie interference,” said Sullivan. “Based on that decision, our coaching staff needs to take a long look at the criteria that is our understanding (of the rule). Jake is in the white paint, first and foremost. I get it. There’s some contact with the goaltender and in blue (paint). But for me, the puck is going into the net anyway.”

The Penguins eventually lost to Buffalo 3-1.

Get the Penguins recap here.

“I don’t agree with the call,” Sullivan said. “Our coaching staff is going to have a long discussion on the criteria to try to define it better because (the call) wasn’t my understanding (of the rule).”