NHL testing use of cameras in goal posts for added review angles

The NHL is experimenting with adding cameras to goal posts in order to aid with video reviews.

The NHL is experimenting with adding cameras to goal posts in order to aid with video reviews, NHL senior vice president of hockey operations Mike Murphytold Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

It's unclear when the cameras will be able to be utilized by replay officials, but Brooks reported it could happen as soon as this year's playoffs, or even before the end of the regular season.

From the report:

“We are testing and experimenting with ‘in-post’ cameras and would like to introduce them when we are comfortable that they are completely functional and workable,”  Murphy said. “We are not there yet. When we feel we have it right we will start to put them in nets throughout the league.”

The current plan is to place the cameras halfway up the posts, but, as per Murphy, “The league is testing different distances from the ice level.”

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The addition of the cameras would result in more angles available during reviews, potentially allowing for goal calls that would have stood due to a lack of conclusive video evidence to instead be overturned. Brooks cited a goal being taken away from New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello in the team's Jan. 10 game against the San Jose Sharks as an example of a ruling that could have been overturned with goal post cameras.

The NHL has been using video reviews since 1991. In 2003, the league moved from having in-stadium officials determine replay calls to using a centralized "War Room" of officials, which is located in Toronto.

- Ben Estes