Dowd On Capitals’ Overturned Goal: ‘I Was Out Of The Crease Before The Shot Was Taken’

Although the Washington Capitals still managed to escape PPG Paints Arena with a major win on Tuesday, Nic Dowd said postgame that he believes that his disallowed goal in the second period should have counted.

The 31-year-old center discussed the controversial call, which saw Dowd’s deflection goal waved off and the Capitals back down by one following Mike Sullivan’s coach’s challenge and a lengthy conversation between officials and the NHL situation room in Toronto.

“I disagree. I honestly think that’s probably one of those ones that goes 50-50,” Dowd said postgame with regard to the call. ”

Dowd was screening Tristan Jarry closely in front and tipped a point shot from Garnet Hathaway past the Penguins goaltender. The call on the ice was a good goal.

READ MORE ON WHN: Capitals Overcome Adversity, Controversy For Big OT Win Over Penguins

However, the NHL said that because Dowd had a “significant presence” in the crease, Jarry was unable to play his position. However, the replay didn’t appear to show Dowd truly making contact with Jarry, let alone taking up a lot of space in the crease. In fact, when the puck crosses the line, it appears that Dowd isn’t even fully standing in the blue paint.

“I was kinda told that I inhibited the goalie from getting, I guess, to a position to make the save, but I don’t know. I didn’t touch him, I didn’t bump into him and then I was out of the crease before the shot was taken, right? So that’s my opinion on it,” Dowd explained.

Officials disallowed this goal due to goalie interference.

Yeah. pic.twitter.com/l9jGHE8whh

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 2, 2022

Head coach Peter Laviolette and company were not at all pleased with the call. Overall, the game was incredibly strict, with the Capitals being called for five penalties and Pittsburgh for two. Washington ended up winning 4-3 in overtime.

The goal would have been Dowd’s second of the game and seventh of the season. He opened the scoring on Tuesday with a shorthanded breakaway strike early in the first period. That tally ended an 11-game goal drought for No. 26.

Through 33 games this season, Dowd has six goals and 11 points. He is on pace for a career-high 23 points this season.