Panthers Goalie Blasts Replay Officials Over Disallowed Goal

Daniil Tarasov claims he was interfered with on a key play in loss to Sabres

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Florida Panthers goalie Daniil Tarasov criticized NHL replay officials after a controversial goal by the Buffalo Sabres was allowed to stand in Friday night's game. Tarasov felt he was interfered with on the play, but the officials ruled the contact was incidental and the goal counted, leading to a 3-2 Sabres victory.

Why it matters

The debate over the NHL's goalie interference rule has been an ongoing issue, with teams and players often disagreeing with how the rule is interpreted and applied. Tarasov's strong comments highlight the frustration some players feel when they believe a goal should have been disallowed due to interference.

The details

With 8:22 left in the third period and the game tied 1-1, Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn scored to give Buffalo a 2-1 lead. On the play, Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson made contact with Tarasov's glove before the shot went in. Panthers coach Paul Maurice challenged the goal for goalie interference, but the call was upheld after review. Tarasov felt the contact impaired his ability to make the save and criticized the replay officials, wondering if they were "disappointed" the Panthers had beaten the Toronto Maple Leafs a few days earlier.

  • With 8:22 left in the third period, Malenstyn scored to give the Sabres a 2-1 lead.
  • The goal was challenged by the Panthers for goalie interference, but the call was upheld after review.

The players

Daniil Tarasov

The Florida Panthers goaltender who was critical of the replay officials' decision to allow the Sabres' go-ahead goal to stand.

Mattias Samuelsson

The Buffalo Sabres defenseman who made contact with Tarasov's glove prior to the Sabres' second goal.

Beck Malenstyn

The Buffalo Sabres forward who scored the go-ahead goal that was the subject of the goalie interference debate.

Paul Maurice

The Florida Panthers head coach who challenged the Sabres' second goal for goalie interference.

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What they’re saying

“It was contact before the shot. They made the call based on Toronto. I don't know what these guys are smoking there. Or they're disappointed yesterday (Toronto) lost. It's hard to say.”

— Daniil Tarasov, Panthers Goaltender (nytimes.com)

“I don't know the rules, and they like change it all the time, like every single game.”

— Daniil Tarasov, Panthers Goaltender (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The NHL is expected to review the goalie interference rule and its application during the offseason, as debates over such calls often arise during the season.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the NHL faces in consistently applying the goalie interference rule, which can have significant impacts on the outcomes of close games. It also shows the frustration players like Tarasov feel when they believe a call goes against them unfairly.