As training camps are starting for most NHL teams, the league has announced a series of rule changes that will cause major changes in the way teams approach certain scenarios on the ice.
The first rule change pertains to the Coach’s Challenge which will now allow coaches to challenge a delay-of-game penalty when the puck is shot over the boards. Plenty of controversial calls regarding this penalty have been made throughout the years, so this addition should help teams try to avoid being on the receiving end of poor delay-of-game calls since they allow coaches to dispute the referee’s decision. To limit the abuse of this challenge, a failed overturn will result in another minor penalty, but allowing reviews in the first place brings its problems. Fans have frequently complained about the length of video reviews since long reviews often kill the game’s momentum. Allowing reviews for penalties will only increase the frequency of reviews which might lead to more problems than solutions for the league.
The second change is regarding line change rules following a dislodged net. Now, if either a skater or goaltender causes the net to come off, that team will not be permitted to make a line change. This rule used to only apply to skaters which allowed goalies to dislodge the net in high-risk players as long as they could make it seem accidental. This rule change addresses this concern by punishing a goalie for trying to get around the rules regarding dislodging the net.
The third rule change is also very reasonable as it punishes offensive centermen for improperly setting up prior to a faceoff to buy their teammates more rest time. This rule would only apply to defensive centers before the change but this should help even things out and prevent anyone from gaining an unfair advantage. This rule should not change much but maybe we will see a penalty or two this season because of it.
The fourth rule change is rather controversial as it prevents players from sitting on the boards with their skates out. The league is looking to improve player safety and bench players having their skates exposed can create a dangerous situation for unsuspecting players. Those who are not on the ice should not be able to have any effect on the play, so this rule change should keep bench players out of play. The only real issue is how much players are used to sitting on the boards waiting to start their shift. Certain players have been taught to prepare for their shift this way from a young age, so we might see a good amount of penalties regarding this in the early months of the season as players get accustomed to the new rule.
The fifth rule change is one that was much needed for goalies coming into the net in the middle of the game. Incoming netminders will get a brief warm-up before play resumes. Coming off the bench, goalies are cold and need a moment to adjust to game conditions before being expected to protect their teams’ net. This rule change will allow them to do so which should hopefully be a great help to goalies.
These rule changes may not seem like deal breakers, but certain scenarios on the ice can lead to unfair advantages which is what these rule changes seek to address.
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