Thread: NHL to experiment with new rule changes

NHL set to experiment with some rule changes | Hockey | Sports | Toronto Sun

REFEREES WITH HEAD-SETS

Would be useful for staying in touch during hectic action as it moves up ice. Ideally, both refs would make sure to be in the best possible position to judge goals or call penalties, as the official who is the furthest away often makes what can be a controversial minor call. They could also relay the linesmen’s comments or stay in touch when one ref is with the timekeeper and the other at the team benches.

NO LINE CHANGES AFTER AN OFFSIDE

Currently in effect only for a team that ices the puck, this would have the dual effect of discouraging offsides and trapping tired players, leading to scoring chances.

ONLY ON-THE-FLY LINE CHANGES PERMITTED

Coaches won’t like their matchups being messed with, but this would restrict stop-time changes only when goals are scored or manpower situations arise.

FACEOFF CHANGES

In the continuing effort to stamp out delays caused by encroaching centres and wingers, misbehaving centres will have to move back a foot, while another variation will allow the other team to pick the next man to take the draw. Faceoffs will be restricted to the five circles, erasing the neutral zone dots. One linesman will be designated for almost all faceoffs to create consistency.

HAND PASSES PERMITTED

North Americans who played baseball will have an advantage here. Just don’t close your hand on the puck.

TRAPEZOID OUT, CENTRE RED LINE IN

Two “roll-back” experiments. Goalies can once again roam to their heart’s content to play the puck, but be warned, they will be penalized for freezing a puck without at least one skate in the crease. They will likely be considered fair game for forecheckers if they get too adventurous when stick-handling.

With the red line active again, two-line passes will be restricted in the hope more players get touches in the neutral zone.

BEARHUG RULE

A Brian Burke initiative, this allows players to wrap up an opponent going into the boards to lessen impact and avoid a holding call.

I'm not sure I like any of those, other getting rid of the trapezoid.

What the ****ing ****ity ****?!

This isn't baseball... the games aren't stretching on too long....

but if you REALLY REALLY have to cut down on length of a game how about getting rid of a few of those obnoxious TV time outs????

Those are ****ing interminable and actually impact the momentum of the games!

*grumble*

Most of the rules just seem unneccesary. I hope Shanahan does something like last year where he got a bunch of prospects together and tested out a bunch of different rule changes.

Originally Posted by Dr. Naysay

What the ****ing ****ity ****?!

This isn't baseball... the games aren't stretching on too long....

but if you REALLY REALLY have to cut down on length of a game how about getting rid of a few of those obnoxious TV time outs????

Those are ****ing interminable and actually impact the momentum of the games!

*grumble*

There are only 3 TV time-outs per period. After 6, 10, and 14 minutes. They are about 90-120 seconds long each. How is that obnoxious? Look at the NBA where the last 3 minutes of a game can take half an hour. Or the NFL where there is a commercial after just about every play. Not sure about baseball as you'd have to pay me to watch that.

The NHL games flows by just fine. No need to tire the players out even more with stupid rules like not allowing them to change after an off-side.

Originally Posted by Dr. Naysay

What the ****ing ****ity ****?!

This isn't baseball... the games aren't stretching on too long....

but if you REALLY REALLY have to cut down on length of a game how about getting rid of a few of those obnoxious TV time outs????

Those are ****ing interminable and actually impact the momentum of the games!

*grumble*

Less tv timeouts means who's flipping the bill for the telecasts??? Just a thought.

Originally Posted by Mulletsave30

Less tv timeouts means who's flipping the bill for the telecasts??? Just a thought.

There's always solutions.

Only one I like is getting rid of that stupid trapazoid and allowing the goalies to be 'fair game' like the old school days. THAT would be interesting and I betcha well received by the fans....perhaps even the players alike.

Again, many of these proposed changes are to lure and keep the 'casual fan' who'd otherwise be disinterested with the current product the way it is already.

I say more BLACK colored uni's in the league!!!!! eeeeesssch.

Originally Posted by Dr. Naysay

There's always solutions.

Yeah like less advertising revenue streaming in= less games being aired.

I admit I'm guilty of thinking inside the box, but the only other solution I can quickly think of is charging more per sponsor with less timeouts....but...unfortunately our favorite game doesn't have the same viewership the other major sports (both pro and collegiate)that can demand that sort of option.