How does video review work in the NHL?
A · Advanced · How the NHL differs · 11 of 11In the NHL, the league's Situation Room checks every goal on video. Coaches may challenge a goal for offside, a missed stoppage or goalkeeper interference, and a puck-over-glass penalty, in every game. In the last minute of the third period and in overtime, the league starts these reviews itself. A failed challenge is a minor for delay of game.
How it works
- Every goal: reviewed by the NHL Situation Room.
- Coach's challenge: offside before a goal, a missed stoppage in the attacking zone, goalkeeper interference, a puck-over-glass penalty.
- When: before the centre-ice face-off after the goal, or before play restarts.
- One per stoppage: only one challenge per team at each stoppage.
- The standard: the call is overturned only on conclusive evidence.
- Failed challenge: a minor for delay of game; a second failure, a double-minor.
- League-initiated: in the final minute of the third period and in overtime, the league reviews these plays itself.
- Majors: referees review their own major and match penalties.
The glossary has the video review, the offside, the interference on the goalkeeper, the delay of game, the goal and the bench minor penalty.
Tricky cases
Is the coach's challenge used in every NHL game?
Yes. Under IIHF rules it is used only at selected championships.
A goal is scored in overtime after an offside. Who reviews it?
The league, without any challenge, as it reviews such plays in overtime itself.
Can a coach challenge to get a penalty called?
No. A puck-over-glass challenge can only cancel a penalty.
What does a failed challenge cost?
A two-minute minor for delay of game; a double-minor for a repeat.
Why the rule exists
Every NHL arena has the cameras and staff for full review. The league takes over late in games so that a team with no challenge left is not stuck with a wrong call.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NHL | Challenge in every game; league reviews late plays | NHL 38.2, 38.3 |
| IIHF | Challenge at selected championships | IIHF 38 |
| Failed challenge | Minor in both | NHL 38.8; IIHF 38 |
From the rule book
National Hockey League, Official Rules 2026-2027, Rules 20.6, 37 and 38. Compared with International Ice Hockey Federation, Official Rulebook 2026/27 (version 1.0, June 2026). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IIHF Official Rulebook, revised each season.