Goalie Interference in Question as Sabres Fall to Jets in Overtime

The Buffalo Sabres played an even game against one of the league’s top teams, but ultimately lost 3-2 in overtime to the Winnipeg Jets. The Sabres challenged the Jets’ first goal for goalie interference and lost the challenge. The Jets challenged Tyson Kozak’s go-ahead goal for goalie interference and were successful. The disparity between the two calls was miniscule, leaving much debate over the challenge results and the rules.

Tage Thompson started the scoring early into the first period with a powerplay goal from the right faceoff dot. Gabriel Vilardi deflected a point shot in 47 seconds later to tie the game. Dylan Cozens tied the game on a give-and-go play with Zach Benson to give the Sabres the lead through one period.

Kyle Connor tied the game in the second period on a slap shot that trickled through Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. With Kozak’s goal taken off the board, the scoring halted until overtime. Adam Lowry finished the play on a desperation rush down the ice to give the Jets the second point.

Previous Game: Snow Not Done as Avalanche Bury Sabres in Collapse

Goalie Interference

The goalie interference challenges have been of much debate throughout the NHL season so far. They reached a heightened sense tonight, as the Jets’ allowed goal and the Sabres’ disallowed goal ultimately were the difference in the game.

Vilardi, 1-1. Buffalo challenged for goaltender interference unsuccessfully #sabrehood #gojetsgo pic.twitter.com/7VS9WvcdKE

— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) December 6, 2024

The Sabres conceded a quick game-tying goal after Thompson sprouted an early lead. Vilardi deflected the puck, but also made contact with Luukkonen’s glove in the process.

Vilardi skated through the blue paint while Luukkonen was at the top of the crease. He then exited the restricted area and caught the outstretched goalie glove just as the shot was coming through. Luukkonen had no chance to glove the incoming puck as a result.

The contact was deemed to have occurred outside of the crease, and the goal stood as a result.

“Yeah, I don’t know if there’s a smart way to say this, but that’s just, I feel like it’s bullshit,” Luukkonen said of the call on the failed challenge. “There’s no way I can make a save on that.”

Tyson Kozak thought he scored his first NHL goal and then Winnipeg challenged for goaltender interference successfully #sabrehood #gojetsgo pic.twitter.com/dHdaA2a98m

— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) December 6, 2024

Tyson Kozak scored what he thought was the go-ahead goal and the first of his career in his first NHL game. His family celebrated from their suite at KeyBank Center, but there was a pause. Winnipeg challenged for goalie interference, successfully removing the goal from the board.

Beck Malenstyn was shoved at the top of the crease by Brad Lambert. He simultaneously made contact with Connor Hellebuyck, who was high in the crease but still in the blue paint. Because the contact occurred in the blue paint, the call on the ice was overturned and the goal was disallowed.

The blue paint has been the focus all season on allowing and disallowing goals on goalie interference challenges. Take away colors, and the Vilardi play was probably more egregious. The NHL is making it clear, however, that the crease is sacred and the goaltender has every right inside it, not out.

Cozens on the Rise

With his goal, Dylan Cozens has four points in in his last four games. The slow start to the season has seemingly been put behind him.

The biggest change has been splitting up Cozens and Jack Quinn, the latter of which was a healthy scratch. It’s becoming more clear that Quinn, for whatever reason, has been the anchor this year. Cozens was Buffalo’s best player against the Jets, earning a “B” grade in the Sabres Grades.

Three games removed from an “A-” grade, Cozens is giving the Sabres the second-line center production they expected heading into the season. With Thompson, Cozens, McLeod, Kulich, and Krebs all providing important center minutes, the position is becoming a strength on Buffalo’s depth chart.

More: Sabres Depth Chart Update

What’s Next

Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams will speak to the media on Friday at 11:30 am ET. The discussion will surely revolve around the roster and the current state of the team, as well as Adams’ rumored status of being “active” in seeking a trade.

Buffalo will host the Utah Hockey Club for a Saturday matinee, giving us the first look at the NHL’s newest club. Utah sits sixth in their division and four points out of a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.