In 2005, the NHL implemented numerous rule changes and altered the dimensions of the rink. Three years later, regular season play is now coming to an end under the "New NHL." While -in my opinion-the majority of the changes have been pretty bad, I'd like to point out a few exceptional alterations.
"Two-Line Pass"
Let's cut to the chase, this is hands-down my favorite "new" rule. No more two-line offsides. This rule gives players the opportunity to make plays, by getting ahead of the play and behind the defencemen. Also, players coming off the bench-and out of the penalty box-can "hang" beyond the red-line.
How cool is it to see an 80 foot pass for a clean break-away now? And imagine if "hangers" like Pavel Bure were still playing today...
"Tag Up Rule"
The ability to clear-the-zone on an offside call has certainly made the game much faster. The defensive-zone team can no longer milk the clock in their own zone. Hindsight now, how annoying was it to see the linesman's hand up for almost a minute, while the defensive team made line changes, and the off-sides team just sat and waited on the blue-line?
"Dimensions of the Rink"
Now, while I don't particularly care for the two less feet from the goal line to the end-boards, I definitely dig the four extra feet in the attacking zone. Putting the blue-lines two-feet closer to the red-line has certainly created more scoring chances, especially during power-plays and 4-on-4 overtime.
Hopefully, in the next few years, the NHL will expand their rinks even further. I'm hoping for Olympic-Sized rinks soon.
"Unsportsmanlike Conduct"
Written warnings, fines and ultimately suspensions applicable to all the actors in the NHL upon infraction. This applys to any player "who dives or embellishes a fall or a reaction, or who feigns injury in an attempt to draw penalties." And the fact that the NHL can review the tapes, and hand out the penalties after the game is fantastic.
And that's gonna do it. These are the only "new rules" that I can come up with that have benefited the "New NHL." All the other rules: limits on the goaltenders, zero tolerance and the shootout, just to name a few, have only hurt the game by sacrificing the integrity of the game.
As I said, it's been implemented for three years now, and I feel like I'm "A day late, and a dollar short". But heck, it's a rainy afternoon here in Boston and I just had to throw my two-cents in.
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6 months ago
Great article! I'm guilty of hammering on some of the ills that plague the league but it's nice to see some positives written too.
The hockey played now is lightyears better than it was pre-lockout. It's faster with more hitting and more exciting goals.
My only wish is that something is done to bring back some of the scoring zones that existed before traps and collapsing defenses were introduced. But that's another subject for another day.
Anyway, regarding making the ice bigger, it'd be interesting to see. I'm of the opinion that there's enough ice now, but it's artificially divided up.
What if the NHL were to adopt inline hockey rules were once the blueline is gained, the offensive zone extends to the redline? That way, if teams want to collapse on their goalie, it'll make it much harder to clear the zone 96 feet from their net. It'll force teams to be more aggressive in their end instead of hoping to only block and deflect any shots that come from the point.
Just my 2 cents.
Great job Mark!
6 months ago
Another Good Read, Mark.
Keep em comin!
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