At the end of the first period, the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes were tied at one but the score could have looked very different if the refs didn't take a goal off the board. In the period, Jacob Bryson would make a beautiful move and beat Frederik Andersen glove side.
However, the celebration was short-lived as the refs were quick to wave it off due to goalie interference. For fans in attendance and watching at home, the replays clearly showed that Zach Benson had cleared the crease before the shot, and the decision by Lindy Ruff to challenge it was met with cheers.
Bryson scored but it was immediately waved off for goaltender interference. Lindy Ruff challenged to overturn unsuccessfully #LetsGoBuffalo #CarolinaCulture pic.twitter.com/59cD5P5d04
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) November 23, 2025
Even after the review by the league, it was still considered goalie interference. The explanation, reported by Mike Harrington with The Buffalo News, makes it even worse that the call was upheld.
NHL explanation on the Benson play: "Video review supported the Referees’ call on the ice that Buffalo’s Zach Benson’s skate contact with Frederik Andersen’s pad impaired his ability to play his position prior to the puck entering the net."
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) November 23, 2025
Pure poppycock.
NHL officiating on goalie interference has been inconsistent at best and the Buffalo Sabres have been on the wrong side each time
If this were an isolated incident or a one-time thing, then it could be frustrating but somewhat accepted by fans. However, it has been an issue recently for the Sabres, both later in this game but also earlier this week.
In the game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night, Rasmus Dahlin would score in the first period, cutting the Flames' lead in half to 2-1. Unfortunately, it would be challenged by the Flames and eventually waved off due to goalie interference.
The one against the Flames was closer to being goalie interference as Tage Thompson looked to be in the crease and made contact. However, the Flames goalie had time to reset before Dahlin made his shot. It was a stretch but a case could be made.
Where the frustration really is felt is after seeing those two calls go against the Sabres; the Hurricanes, later in the game on Sunday, made a lot more contact with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen that helped them tie the game with a goal.
Ghostisbehere, 1-1 PPG #LetsGoBuffalo #CarolinaCulture pic.twitter.com/9EN2ZZuT30
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) November 23, 2025
If the NHL viewed the two goals waved off by the Sabres as goalie interference, there is no reason that the goal by the Hurricanes should have stood. It is something that hopefully the league can figure out a better way to call these because right now, there doesn't seem to be any consistency across these plays.