New Rules Are Necessary
October 31, 2005
Jon Adams
Let me start by saying that when it comes to the NHL, I am a traditionalist. I am of what we would call ‘old school ilk’. However, the last time we saw NHL action, hockey players were crankier than usual, veterans were complaining about holding and hooking, and worst of all, fans weren’t watching. So, with all the negative attention that the lockout received, the league recognized it needed changes. What better time to come to the forefront and make a push for a whole new game than right now, when the NHL needs to win back the fans they hurt so badly. Here’s the major rule changes, and how they will affect the game.
If the league can find a way to abolish the amount of hooking and holding taking place without calling 15 penalties a game, this will be the most influential change of all. It gives players just a little more space, and at the NHL level, a split second of extra freedom is all they’ll need. No longer will guys like Derian Hatcher be able to latch on to smaller players and suffocate the skills out of them.
The shootout is a tough concept to embrace, but fans seem to be thrilled about it. I see the appeal in getting rid of ties, and there is no doubt that skilled players have some extraordinary flair to put on display. I would prefer that shootouts did not decide the big games, as it does in the Olympics; however, it will still be exciting to watch teams go for the extra point in overtime, because they don’t want to leave their fate to the shootout. Playoffs, fortunately, will never be decided by a shootout.
Smaller goalie equipment means more athletic saves, more goals, and shooters making goalies look like Swiss cheese. On all fronts, smaller goalie equipment means more goals and more excitement.
Taking out the centre ice line will allow players more time to receive that long pass, and gain a good scoring chance. Strong, fast players, like Ilya Kovalchuk will get passes in the neutral zone at full speed, putting the defense at their mercy.
The NHL hopes change is good and I think it’s worth embracing.
Now you go...
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