NHL Rule Changes: 10 Potential Ideas That Would Really Shake Things Up

An NHL game is one of the most exciting events to watch.

The fast-paced, nonstop action along with an amped-up crowd creates an atmosphere that is like no other.

Besides a controversial rule about head shots, the rules of the NHL are simple to follow and easy to understand.

Let us now look at potential rule and regulation changes that would shake up the game and make the game even more entertaining.

Increase the Size of the Goals

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NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 19: Jonathon Blum #7 of the Nashville Predators scores the eventual game winning goal against Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings on March 19, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedo

Hockey arenas either go absolutely wild or incredibly quiet when a goal is scored; hence an obvious change, more goals.

Goalie's pads have been getting bigger and the nets have stayed the same size, so even a couple more inches in each direction would make a difference.

Best of Five Shootouts

From a fans perspective, when overtime ends and its time for the shootout, the game becomes 10 times more intense and you become a nervous wreck.

Each and every round in shootouts are very crucial and entertaining. Fans love watching shootouts and it makes the actual game more of a thrill.

So why not add more rounds to the shootout? Best of five, or even seven, would be perfect.

Eliminate Offsides

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KANATA, CANADA - APRIL 17: Vaclav Varada #26 of the Ottawa Senators stradles the blueline to prevent an offside as Jason Wiemer #28 of the New York Islanders chases him down during game five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2003 Stanley Cup

Offsides is such a buzz kill. Play on!

Let Them Fight

I'm not saying that I agree with teams brutally beating up each other like what happened between the Islanders and Penguins, but fighting in hockey is something every single fan loves watching.

I have never once came across someone that complained about fighting. However, I have met many people that say they only enjoy hockey because of the fights.

So referees, stop breaking up fights just because a player falls to the ice. 

And goalies, I want to see more fights between you guys!

2 Point Shot

Maybe it is just a huge mistake by the goaltender, but scoring from center ice is impressive. Any goal scored behind the blue line... Two points!

Let the Referees Have Complete Control

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 15: Referee Wes McCauley #4 calls off a last minute goal in the game against the Atlanta Thrashers and the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 15, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Thrashers 4-2. (Ph

In baseball, umpires use video replay to help determine controversial home runs.

Other than that, it's the umpires game. He determines balls and strikes. He determines safe or out.

I want NHL officials to have the same control considering goals.

They are right on the ice and can perfectly see what is going on. So let the refs call all of the goals, not people in a booth in Toronto.

High Stick Goals

If the puck goes in the net, it's a goal. End of story. Who cares if the players stick is above the crossbar?

Head Shot Rule

Everyone knew this rule would be mentioned in here.

These malicious hits cause serious injury and the majority of the time, these players are not appropriately punished.

This season, many players have missed a lot of games because of concussions from these hits.

Punishments must be more severe so players stop head hunting.

Get Rid of the Trapezoid Zone

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 18: Martin Brodeur #30 of the New Jersey Devils tends net against the Washington Capitals at the Prudential Center on March 18, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. The Capitals defeated the Devils 3-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The rule of goalies not being able to play the pucks in the corners of the ice makes no sense.

What's the big deal if they play the puck there? Giving out a penalty because of the zone infraction is pointless.

The trapezoid behind the nets should never have been placed there. Let goalies play where they want.

Shootouts in the Playoffs

Can you imagine how nerve-wracking this would be? If the entire season came down to shootouts?

I don't see why the game changes just because it is the playoffs. No other sport does that.

Have the teams play a five minute overtime, then shootouts in the postseason.