NHL Coach’s Challenge – Pros and Cons Explained for Beginners

A few years ago, the NHL introduced the coach’s challenge, allowing head coaches to challenge certain on-ice calls made by referees. It was a significant shift in how the game is officiated and marked the beginning of a more video-assisted approach to controversial decisions.

For the first time, coaches could contest key rulings—specifically related to goals, offsides, and goaltender interference. This rule change sparked immediate debate across the hockey world and continues to be a hot topic among fans, players, and analysts.

Some fans believe the coach’s challenge has significantly improved the accuracy of officiating, ensuring that goals are legitimate and calls are fair. Others argue it disrupts the pace and flow of the game, especially when long reviews stall momentum.

If you asked around, you’d likely find that long-time or die-hard fans appreciate the added accuracy, while newer viewers—who might not fully understand the nuanced rules—often find the reviews tedious or confusing.

As of the 2023 NHL season, the Coach’s Challenge remains a part of the game, although the NHL has made some adjustments over the years to fine-tune the rules and consequences of unsuccessful challenges.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the NHL Coach’s Challenge: how it works, when it’s used, and its biggest pros and cons for hockey fans—especially if you’re new to the sport.

How Does the NHL Coach’s Challenge Work?

In the National Hockey League (NHL), the Coach’s Challenge is a strategic tool that allows head coaches to request a video review of specific on-ice calls made by the officials. Coaches can use this system to challenge:

• Goals scored under questionable circumstances
• Goaltender interference
• Offside violations leading to goals
• Missed stoppages in play that should have negated a goal

These situations are reviewed using video replay to confirm or overturn the original ruling.

How Does a Coach Initiate a Challenge?

Initiating a Coach’s Challenge is straightforward. The coach simply informs the referee that they wish to challenge the call on the ice. Once notified, the referees or linesmen (depending on the type of challenge) review the play using league-provided iPads with video replay capabilities.

For offside challenges, the linesman primarily handles the review. For goalie interference or missed stoppages, the referee conducts the evaluation.

How Many Times Can a Coach Challenge in the NHL?

There’s no limit to the number of Coach’s Challenges a team can make during a game—as long as each challenge is successful.

Before the 2019–2020 season, teams were required to have a timeout available in order to issue a challenge, and they were limited to one per game. However, the rules have since changed.

Under the current NHL rules, an unsuccessful challenge now results in a minor penalty for delay of game, which can be costly. This rule was implemented to discourage frivolous or speculative challenges.

We’ll explore this rule—and its implications—further in the next section.

What Are the Consequences of a Failed NHL Coach’s Challenge?

In the NHL, when a coach’s challenge is unsuccessful, the team is assessed a two-minute minor penalty for delay of game. This rule replaces the previous consequence of losing a timeout.

While a timeout loss was inconvenient, a minor penalty is far more impactful—it puts the team on the penalty kill and gives the opposing team a significant scoring opportunity.

How a Failed Challenge Can Shift Momentum

The consequences of an unsuccessful challenge go beyond the penalty box. A failed challenge can swing the momentum of a game:

• It may deflate the morale of the team that challenged.
• It can energize the opposing team, especially if the call leads directly to a goal being confirmed or awarded.
• The decision can shift fan energy in the arena and affect game tempo.

This risk makes the Coach’s Challenge a high-stakes tactic, especially during closely contested games or playoff matchups.

NHL Challenge Success Rate: Is It Worth the Risk?

It’s important to understand that the success rate for coach’s challenges is relatively good. During the 2022–2023 NHL season, 68% of all challenges were successful, most of which were offsides calls that were overturned.

But still, teams must carefully weigh the risk versus reward before challenging a call. A failed challenge not only keeps the disputed call in place but also gives the opposing team a power play—often a game-changing scenario.

Can an NHL Coach Challenge a Missed Penalty?

One of the most common misconceptions about the NHL coach’s challenge is that it can be used for any missed call. However, not all on-ice decisions are eligible for review under the current rules.

Specifically, coaches cannot challenge missed penalty calls—such as high-sticking, tripping, hooking, or slashing. These types of infractions are non-reviewable, regardless of their potential impact on the game.

Additionally, a coach’s challenge cannot be initiated during the final minute of regulation or at any point in overtime, even if the play in question involves a potentially reviewable call like offside or goaltender interference.

When Was the NHL Coach’s Challenge Introduced?

The coach’s challenge was implemented during the 2015–2016 NHL season. Its primary purpose is to enhance officiating accuracy—especially in critical moments involving:

• Offside plays leading to goals
• Goaltender interference
• Missed stoppages of play leading to goals (added in later rule updates)

The intent is to help ensure that goals are valid and that game-changing errors are minimized.

Types of NHL Coach’s Challenges

In the NHL, coach’s challenges can be used in several specific scenarios. Most often, a coach will issue a challenge if they believe a goal was scored under questionable circumstances—such as goaltender interference, a missed offside, or a puck that touched the netting along the glass before going unnoticed by officials.

Let’s break down the main types of coach’s challenges used in NHL games.

Offside Challenges

An offside challenge is used when a coach believes the offside rule was violated prior to a goal being scored. If a linesman misses an offside and the team subsequently scores, the coach can challenge the goal.

• If the review shows that the play was offside, the goal is disallowed, and the faceoff is moved outside the offensive zone.
• According to the NHL offside rule, a player is considered offside if both skates completely cross the blue line before the puck does.

Offside reviews are typically conducted using high-definition replays and blue-line camera angles provided by the NHL. But not all offside reviews are straight forward, as seen with this Colorado Avalanche goal that turned into an emotion rollercoaster for fans.

Goaltender Interference Challenges

A goaltender interference challenge is issued when a coach believes the opposing team impeded the goalie’s ability to make a save, leading to a goal.

• If the review determines that there was goaltender interference, the goal is waved off.
• The ensuing faceoff typically occurs in the offensive zone, but the goal is removed from the scoreboard.

Goaltender interference occurs when an attacking player restricts the goalie’s ability to move freely within the crease. If the goalie is outside the crease, they are not afforded the same level of protection, but intentional or dangerous contact can still result in a penalty.

Note: “Fair game” outside the crease means referees are less likely to call incidental contact. However, deliberate contact—especially violent hits—can still lead to minor or major penalties.

Missed Stoppage of Play Challenges

This type of challenge allows coaches to contest goals that should have been nullified due to a missed stoppage in the offensive zone.

Examples include:

• A high-sticked puck that wasn’t called (hitting the puck with your stick above your head)
• A hand pass in the offensive zone
• The puck hitting the netting that surrounds the glass before a goal-scoring play

This rule was added by the NHL in recent seasons after multiple missed stoppages led to controversial goals. The ability to challenge these plays has been well-received, as it ensures greater accuracy without significantly impacting the game’s flow.

Note: This type of challenge only applies when the stoppage occurred in the offensive zone leading to a goal. The league has not expanded this to include neutral zone infractions.

Successful vs. Failed NHL Coach’s Challenges: What Happens?

Understanding the outcome of a coach’s challenge is crucial for both coaches and fans. These moments can dramatically affect the flow and momentum of an NHL game—especially when goals are involved.

Successful Challenges

When a coach successfully challenges a call, the original decision made by the on-ice officials is overturned.

• The play then resumes from the point where it would have continued had the correct call been made initially.
  • For example, if a goal is overturned due to an offside, the next faceoff occurs in the neutral zone.

Successful challenges can be game-changing:

• Overturning a goal can swing momentum in favor of the defending team.
• Conversely, having a goal removed can be deflating for the scoring team and its fans.

These moments are often turning points, especially in tight, playoff-caliber matchups.

Failed Challenges

When a coach unsuccessfully challenges a play, the team is assessed a two-minute minor penalty for delay of game.

This is a significant deterrent:

• A failed challenge can result in a power play opportunity for the opposing team.
• In close games, this can be the difference between winning and losing.

There’s a strategic element to choosing when to challenge:

• Coaches may hesitate to challenge borderline plays if their opponent has a highly effective power play unit.
• On the flip side, they might take a risk if the opposing team’s power play is statistically weak, minimizing the penalty’s impact.

Coaches must carefully weigh the risk vs. reward when using their challenge. The margin for error is slim—and the consequences, especially during crucial moments, can be steep.

The Role of Video Reviews in NHL Coach’s Challenges

Video reviews are a vital part of the NHL coach’s challenge process, giving officials the ability to assess questionable plays with greater precision and fairness.

How Video Reviews Work in the NHL

When a coach initiates a challenge, on-ice officials use iPads provided by the league to review the disputed play. These devices allow them to:

• Watch replays in slow motion
• View the incident from multiple camera angles
• Zoom in on specific areas of the ice

This high-definition footage gives referees the tools they need to make a more accurate ruling.

Technology Improves Call Accuracy

Thanks to improvements in video review technology, referees are now able to make better-informed decisions. This has:

• Reduced the number of incorrect calls
• Created a more fair and transparent game
• Added another layer of scrutiny to high-stakes moments—especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Although reviews can slow the pace of the game slightly, most fans and analysts agree the trade-off is worth it for improved accuracy.

Video Review Limitations

Despite the advantages, video reviews aren’t perfect:

• Some decisions—such as goaltender interference—still rely heavily on referee discretion.
• Even with video, rulings can vary based on individual officiating styles.
• Black-and-white calls like offside or high-sticking are more straightforward, but can still spark debate, especially when angles are inconclusive.

Each NHL referee interprets situations slightly differently. While the rulebook aims for consistency, subjectivity still plays a role in key decisions.

The Role of Officials in NHL Coach’s Challenges

The challenge process in the NHL involves a coordinated effort between on-ice officials and the NHL’s central Situation Room. While both referees and linesmen play roles, their responsibilities differ based on the type of challenge being issued.

Referees’ Involvement

Referees are the lead officials involved in most challenges, especially those concerning:

• Goaltender interference
• Missed stoppages of play in the offensive zone
• Illegally scored goals

Referees can also initiate a review independently if they suspect a goal may have been scored illegally. When a coach challenges a call, the referees conduct the review, typically using iPads and video feeds provided by the NHL.

Working with the NHL Situation Room

During a review, referees are in direct communication with the NHL Situation Room in Toronto. This central review hub assists in:

• Providing multiple camera angles
• Rewinding and slowing down footage
• Offering additional insight or context

The officials and Situation Room work together to determine if the call should stand or be overturned.

• If the evidence is clear and conclusive, the call is changed.
• If the evidence is inconclusive, the original call on the ice stands.

Linesmen Responsibilities

Linesmen are responsible for:

• Offside
• Icing
• Puck drops and faceoffs

In the context of a coach’s challenge, linesmen play a critical role when a goal is being challenged due to a potential missed offside. In these cases, the linesman’s original call is reviewed.

Linesmen are also responsible for real-time enforcement of offside and icing rules throughout the game. If a linesman misses an offside that leads to a goal, a coach can initiate a challenge to review the play.

NHL Coach’s Challenge Statistics: Success Rates and Strategic Impact

Coach’s challenges have become a strategic element of modern NHL games, offering teams a chance to overturn controversial calls that could impact the outcome. As coaches have grown more selective and technology more advanced, the frequency and success rate of challenges have steadily increased.

All statistics cited below are sourced from ScoutingTheRefs.com — a trusted authority on NHL officiating data. Full credit to them for compiling and sharing this information.

2022–2023 NHL Coach’s Challenge Overview

• Total challenges: 208
• Overturned calls: 142
• Overall success rate: 68%

This marks a slight increase from the 65.7% success rate in the 2021–2022 season and is consistent with the 2023-24 season, which saw a 69% success rate across 235 total challenges. The improvement likely reflects enhanced video review capabilities and more cautious challenge usage due to the increased penalty for failed attempts.

Why the Rise in Success?

A significant factor behind the rising success rate is the penalty for failed challenges:

• Prior to the 2019–2020 season: Coaches only lost a timeout for a failed challenge.
• Now: A failed challenge results in a two-minute minor penalty for delay of game.

This rule change has made coaches more cautious, only challenging calls when they are confident in the evidence—especially in high-stakes situations.

Breakdown by Challenge Type (2022–2023 NHL Regular Season)

Offside Challenges

• Attempts: 107
• Successful overturns: 94
• Success rate: 88%

Offside reviews are typically straightforward, relying on precise video angles to determine the puck and players’ positions relative to the blue line. This objectivity explains the high success rate.

Goaltender Interference Challenges

• Attempts: 85
• Successful overturns: 42
• Success rate: 49%

Goaltender interference reviews are much more subjective, relying on the referees’ interpretation of whether the goaltender was unfairly impeded. This contributes to the lower overturn rate.

Missed Stoppage of Play Challenges

• Attempts: 16
• Successful overturns: 6
• Success rate: 38%

These challenges involve missed hand passes, high-sticks, or pucks striking the netting before goals. They are relatively rare and often require clear, indisputable video evidence to be overturned.

The Evolution of the NHL Coach’s Challenge: From Timeout Loss to Tactical Power Play

The coach’s challenge was officially introduced to the NHL during the 2015–2016 season, giving teams the power to dispute certain on-ice calls. Initially limited to offside rulings and goaltender interference, the scope of challengeable plays has gradually expanded.

Tech-Driven Improvements

One of the most significant shifts in the evolution of the challenge process has been the integration of video review technology. Coaches now have access to iPads on the bench, allowing them to analyze replay angles before deciding to issue a challenge. This has:

• Increased the accuracy of challenges
• Reduced frivolous or rushed decisions
• Made reviews more efficient during live games

Rule Change: From Timeout Loss to Two-Minute Penalty

When first introduced, a failed challenge resulted in a team losing its timeout. While this approach was borrowed from the NFL, the impact was less severe in the NHL, where timeouts carry less strategic weight (e.g., they don’t stop the clock in critical moments).

As a result, teams were more willing to challenge borderline plays, which bogged down game flow and didn’t always improve accuracy.

To address this, the NHL updated the rule:

• Old Rule: Lose your timeout if the challenge fails
• New Rule: A failed challenge results in a two-minute minor penalty for delay of game

This change, which took effect in the 2019–2020 season, has significantly reduced the number of low-confidence challenges and increased the overall success rate of those that are made.

What’s Next for the Coach’s Challenge?

The future of the coach’s challenge in the NHL remains a topic of debate. While some fans believe it disrupts the natural flow of the game, others appreciate its ability to correct game-altering officiating mistakes—especially during high-stakes moments.

Personally, I hold a neutral stance. It’s a tool that has improved fairness, but it can also frustrate fans with delays and interruptions. Right now, the balance feels solid. Adding more reviewable plays could do more harm than good.

If you enjoyed this guide, then please check out a few more of my most popular rule guides to build your hockey IQ:

What Is Offside in Hockey? Hockey Offsides Explained Easily

High-Sticking in Hockey – What Is It and What’s the Penalty?