Leafs' Mike Babcock wins 1st-ever coach's challenge

Toronto Maple Leafs' Mike Babcock became the first coach to employ one of the NHL's new rules when he successfully used the coach's challenge in the second period of Wednesday night's season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. 

Babcock requested the review of an apparent goal by Montreal defenceman Jeff Petry in the second period on the basis of goaltender interference on Toronto netminder Jonathan Bernier. 

The play was ultimately overturned as it was determined that Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec made incidental contact that prevented Bernier from being in position to make the save. 

The new rule was approved in June by the NHL board of governors and allows the use of video review in a limited number of scenarios. A challenge can be used on off-side plays resulting in a goal and scoring plays involving potential goaltender interference. 

A team may only request a review if they have their timeout available, and the challenge must be made before play resumes. If the call is not overturned, the team that issued the challenge forfeits their timeout. Conversely, if a challenge is successful, the team retains their timeout. 

Despite their successful use of the new rule, Toronto ultimately lost 3-1.