New Rules for the New NHL

[Boogerboots]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=127157

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20050606/camp_70450.jpg

Holy Crap!! Are they going to install soccer nets in the NHL next year??

The larger nets are just one of the many proposals that the NHL brass are currently trying out at a rink just outside Toronto. Proposed changes range from smaller goalie equipment, (will likely happen), to the elimination of blue lines or red line (maybe), to even larger nets up to 15% bigger than current nets (not going to fly).

The NHL R&D camp aims to improve the offensive side of the game while at the same time is trying to break the trapping defensive styles of play that so many lesser talented teams choose to execute in today's NHL. Hopefully this will lead to a better and more fun game to watch for when the NHL makes it return... eventually. :thumbs:

[Garcia Bronco]

Bigger nets might net my interest. The game needs to get some offense. If it ever comes back.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Bigger nets might net my interest. The game needs to get some offense. If it ever comes back.
That will do just the opposite for me. Leave the nets alone!

[Garcia Bronco]

That will do just the opposite for me. Leave the nets alone!


They've got to do something to peak interest...and whatever they have to do they got to do...as long as they don't stray to far away

[Clockwork Orange]

I'm all for changes, but their heads are really in the wrong place if they're honestly considering making the nets bigger. But then who ever accused the NHL brass of having their heads anywhere but 3 feet up their own asses.

You make the nets bigger and a few more soft goals are scored. Whoop dee damn doo. What does that do for the overall quality of play? It's not going to stop teams from clutching and grabbing and trapping and choking the life out of the game. You can have a an exciting game that ends in a 1-0 or 2-1 score so long as there are scoring chances. Let me spell that out for you Bettman. S-C-O-R-I-N-G C-H-A-N-C-E-S. If the action is fast paced, the teams are trading chances and the goalies are standing on their heads, that's damn good hockey. But no, let's not do anything about that. Let's just make the nets bigger, shrink the goalies equipment and the rest will take care care of itself? Right?

Wrong. The game will still be dull to watch because the Minnesota's & New Jersey's of the world will still be able to kill any and all speed through the neutral zone. They'll still be able to clutch & grab because NHL officials are too incompetant to call the game the way the rules are written. I've always found that last part to be funny. Referees say that they don't make calls because they don't want to determine the outcome of the game. Hey assholes, you are determining the outcome of the game by allowing the lesser skilled players & teams to suffocate the excitement out of the game in order to keep up with actual skill players and teams that might otherwise be entertaining.

Unbelievable. I'm sure that they won't get rid of the red line and that shootouts will be scoffed at. But we'll make the nets bigger and you'll be able to say that scoring is up by a couple of goals a game. Well ****ing done.

[Clockwork Orange]

Most NHL teams are represented at the camp, and there is a strong conservative faction that favours limited changes.

This is exactly what I've gone on and on about. The old boys network in the NHL that sees absolutely nothing wrong with the game as it is. The NHL has pandered to these fossils for far too long and judging by the overall tone of this article, they'll continue to pander to them.

Christ, I can't wait until college hockey starts back up again. At least they know how to put on an exciting product.

[Candy Cigarettes]

They don't need bigger nets. They need to enforce the rules regarding mugging players. Crappy teams and inferior players clutch and grab the whole game and the referees do nothing about it. You don't think Forsberg spends half his time injured because he's accident prone, do you?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/candycigarettes/2002vsdet.jpg
If they clean up that crap, the whole flow of the game will improve.

*Sorry, Clockwork, didn't mean to step on your coattails. Looks like I said what you said (only you did it better)...

[Clockwork Orange]

They've got young, skilled guys coming in like Ovechkin & Crosby. Yet both are going to find out that the NHL isn't going to let you show your skills without a defender or two grabbing, hooking, holding and slashing you every inch of the way.

You'd think that the NHL would be all about opening the game up, especially with the next generation of superstars being so offensively gifted.

But then why would the old boys network want a league in which their good old North American boys would get outshined by those damn Euros?

[Candy Cigarettes]

Unbelievable. I'm sure that they won't get rid of the red line and that shootouts will be scoffed at. But we'll make the nets bigger and you'll be able to say that scoring is up by a couple of goals a game. Well ****ing done.

I wish they would go to a shootout when regulation ends tied. I hate the whole tied game format. A game shouldn't end in a tie. That's just "un-American." ;)

[BRONCCRUSHFAN]

Eliminate that whole neutral zone trap crap that NJ and Minnesota run, it slows down the friggin game. The most boring Stanley Cup was the Stars against the Sabres, or what I called the who cares cup. They also need, like Clockwork Orange and Candy Cigarettes pointed out, to start calling the friggin game the way it is written in the rule books. I get so tired of all the grabbing and clutching that goes on, especially in the neutral ice. Making the nets bigger is just going to cause for more sloppy goals, and less fan interest. I liked when they shrunk the goalies leg pads, but damn give them some protection and the ability to make saves.

[bendog]

Maybe they can award two goals for shots from far out.

[Beantown Bronco]

I hope hockey never comes back. Not a single person involved with the NHL deserves another penny from our pockets.

[Ray Finkle]

They don't need bigger nets. They need to enforce the rules regarding mugging players. Crappy teams and inferior players clutch and grab the whole game and the referees do nothing about it. You don't think Forsberg spends half his time injured because he's accident prone, do you?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/candycigarettes/2002vsdet.jpg
If they clean up that crap, the whole flow of the game will improve.

*Sorry, Clockwork, didn't mean to step on your coattails. Looks like I said what you said (only you did it better)...


I agree with both of you....ban the trap and grabbing and the game will revert to the 80's and early 90's...

[Boogerboots]

Busting the trap is the top priority for the R&D sessions going on right now. They're saying they want to improve on goal production and entertainment value but to me all that boils down to breaking the trap. Second, enforcing obstruction/hooking calls and third, decreasing goalie equipment.

But listening on the radio this morning, it sounds like they are making a real push to add the shootout to determine a tied hockey game ofter OT is completed. For me, I prefer the 4 on 4 scaled down to a 3 on 3 after the OT is halfway completed. For a shootout to determine which team gets an extra point in the standings, just doesn't seem right.

[Candy Cigarettes]

Busting the trap is the top priority for the R&D sessions going on right now. They're saying they want to improve on goal production and entertainment value but to me all that boils down to breaking the trap. Second, enforcing obstruction/hooking calls and third, decreasing goalie equipment.

But listening on the radio this morning, it sounds like they are making a real push to add the shootout to determine a tied hockey game ofter OT is completed. For me, I prefer the 4 on 4 scaled down to a 3 on 3 after the OT is halfway completed. For a shootout to determine which team gets an extra point in the standings, just doesn't seem right.

Booger, what happens when OT ends with the game still tied? Even if they go to a 3 on 3 it could still end in a tie. I just don't like the idea of any game in any sport ending in a tie. The shootout seems like the most logical step and it's also pretty exciting to watch. You can't have multiple OT's (except for the playoffs) because the network boys will never go for that - it screws up all their programming for the rest of the day. Having shelled out my hard-earned money to attend a hockey game, I can tell you it really sucks to sit in the stands for hours rooting on your team only to have the game end in a tie. It's like taking out the prom queen and not even getting a good-night kiss.

[Boogerboots]

Booger, what happens when OT ends with the game still tied? Even if they go to a 3 on 3 it could still end in a tie. I just don't like the idea of any game in any sport ending in a tie. The shootout seems like the most logical step and it's also pretty exciting to watch. You can't have multiple OT's (except for the playoffs) because the network boys will never go for that - it screws up all their programming for the rest of the day. Having shelled out my hard-earned money to attend a hockey game, I can tell you it really sucks to sit in the stands for hours rooting on your team only to have the game end in a tie. It's like taking out the prom queen and not even getting a good-night kiss.

I understand your point, but to me it's too much like soccer. You should play the game as it is to get a decision. A shootout is not really a part of the game, unless you take in account the penality shot, but those are rare.

I think most games would be decided if there was 3 on 3 hockey for 2 and half minutes in OT. There would be better action and great plays. Sure it alters the rules a bit but you still have offense and defense. A shootout is just about offense.

Shootouts is like having a slam dunk contest deciding a basketball game. Too cheesy.

[Candy Cigarettes]

I understand your point, but to me it's too much like soccer. You should play the game as it is to get a decision. A shootout is not really a part of the game, unless you take in account the penality shot, but those are rare.

I think most games would be decided if there was 3 on 3 hockey for 2 and half minutes in OT. There would be better action and great plays. Sure it alters the rules a bit but you still have offense and defense. A shootout is just about offense.

Shootouts is like having a slam dunk contest deciding a basketball game. Too cheesy.

If it were up to me, I would do OT until they drop. I love watching hockey and OT is fun when it isn't being played for a tie. However, like I said before, you can't have games that have 3 OT's because the TV people won't go for it. Also, lots of NHL games end tied in regulation so if you have unlimited OT until someone wins, the wear and tear on the players would be tremendous. Unfortunately, the current rules encourage players to play for the tie. There's an interesting article on how shootouts have affected the AHL here -

AHL Shootouts (http://www.insidehockey.com/ahl/2004_11_22.html)

The 6th and 7th paragraphs of this article discuss shootouts and the impact on the AHL -

"Nearly 200 games into the season, the rule change appears to be an unmitigated success, though not necessarily for the reasons anyone originally predicted. Over the course of the past three seasons, nearly 25% of the AHL's games ended in ties. This season, the percentage of AHL games that go into overtime has decreased by over 20%, while the percentage of games decided in overtime has increased by 40%. As a result, rather than seeing 25% of the games go to the controversial shootout, it has only been required to settle 13% of the games played.

It is possible that these numbers are a statistical aberration, but more likely, they reflect a change in coaching philosophy. The addition of the shootout removed any incentive for coaches to play for the tie, and so they are more likely to employ more aggressive strategies in the closing minutes of regulation and during overtime."

It's a little too early to tell if these stats will hold up over time, but it appears that the shootout has made teams more aggressive in their approach of trying to win as opposed to playing for the tie.

[Garcia Bronco]

I'll tell you what they need to do is have a frickin' gasoline fire at the red and blue lines...as well as flammable gear....then...and only then....will Hockey be all that it can be.

[bendog]

I don't mind the shootouts, but they gotta get the guys skating some more - be it by busting the trap or enforcing holding and gooning ... . Either that or go to a red white and blue puck or something.

[Candy Cigarettes]

I'll tell you what they need to do is have a frickin' gasoline fire at the red and blue lines...as well as flammable gear....then...and only then....will Hockey be all that it can be.

What do you think this is? Rollerball???
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/candycigarettes/DAR20ROLLERBALL.jpg

[Breck Bronc]

However, like I said before, you can't have games that have 3 OT's because the TV people won't go for it.You also can't have sudden death unlimited overtimes during the regular season because it would create a nightmare for traveling logistics. Some games would go on forever into the night, screwing up travel plans for the visiting teams. In the playoffs it doesn't matter because games are every other day and both teams have to travel to the same place after each game.

I'm all for shootouts to end tie games after 5 minutes of 4-on-4. There are more penalty shots in an NHL season than 3-on-3 action, which is extremely rare. At least shootouts would give fans another thing to keep statistics on and argue about, ie who the best & worst players are at taking penalty shots and who the best & worst goalies are at stopping them.

If they increase the size of the nets I'll never watch a game again. That would be way too cheesy for me.

I'm most worried about what the new Reebok uniforms will look like. Rumors are they're going to look more like what ski racers wear during competition. If anything, the NHL does (or did) better than the other North American sports in uniform look and design. Nothing is better than sweaters like the Canadiens, Rangers, Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Oilers and so many other teams. If Reebok ruins that I'll never buy a product of theirs again (although I don't really own much Reebok stuff, anyway).

[ClevelandBronco2]

On the subject of uniform design, check this out...

http://www.celsiusdesign.net/sabres/

[Garcia Bronco]

What do you think this is? Rollerball???
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/candycigarettes/DAR20ROLLERBALL.jpg

There's a sport an American can be proud of.....

[Boogerboots]

I'm all for shootouts to end tie games after 5 minutes of 4-on-4. There are more penalty shots in an NHL season than 3-on-3 action, which is extremely rare. At least shootouts would give fans another thing to keep statistics on and argue about, ie who the best & worst players are at taking penalty shots and who the best & worst goalies are at stopping them.

If they increase the size of the nets I'll never watch a game again. That would be way too cheesy for me.


Just want to clarify what I said earlier. It was proposed that the new OT would be 5 minutes. Half of it would be 4 on 4 and the last half would be 3 on 3. If it's tied after 5 minutes it still remains a tie.

The 3 on 3 format would be more entertaining to me and would still resemble team play as opposed to an individual penality shot style shootout. At least with 3 on 3 there's still team play involved. More open ice, more action and more entertainment, IMO.

[Dudeskey]

I think that could help, but they should start with trimming down the size of pads worn by netminders. Then I won't have to hear this crap about how good JS "Big Gear" Giguire is.™

[dbroncos31]

You also can't have sudden death unlimited overtimes during the regular season because it would create a nightmare for traveling logistics. Some games would go on forever into the night, screwing up travel plans for the visiting teams. In the playoffs it doesn't matter because games are every other day and both teams have to travel to the same place after each game.

I'm all for shootouts to end tie games after 5 minutes of 4-on-4. There are more penalty shots in an NHL season than 3-on-3 action, which is extremely rare. At least shootouts would give fans another thing to keep statistics on and argue about, ie who the best & worst players are at taking penalty shots and who the best & worst goalies are at stopping them.

If they increase the size of the nets I'll never watch a game again. That would be way too cheesy for me.

I'm most worried about what the new Reebok uniforms will look like. Rumors are they're going to look more like what ski racers wear during competition. If anything, the NHL does (or did) better than the other North American sports in uniform look and design. Nothing is better than sweaters like the Canadiens, Rangers, Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Oilers and so many other teams. If Reebok ruins that I'll never buy a product of theirs again (although I don't really own much Reebok stuff, anyway).
i wont go so far as to say that i'll never watch another game, but i will be extremely pissed. i think that they should tell the refs to call holding and hooking tighter, and eliminate the trap. didn't basketball eliminate the zone d? i think that they did and it improved the game. maybe hockey could do that. i also think that we should have one 4-on-4 OT followed (if necessary) by a shootout. it would spike interest in the game, and it would elininate ties. and, if the AHL figures are a pattern, it will make more OT and regulation decided games. by the way, one of my favorite things about the NHL are the playoff OT games. no matter who is playing, i am on the edge of my seat. hockey OT is the best OT in all sports.

[Dudeskey]

and eliminate the trap

Thats easy, ditch the redline and we'll see more breakaways & It'll negate the 2-line pass rule.

[ClevelandBronco2]

Urinal Cake is unquestionably the most...well...it's...hmmmm. Urinal Cake.

Welcome.

[Dudeskey]

Urinal Cake is unquestionably the most...well...it's...hmmmm. Urinal Cake.

http://www.michaelmain.com/urinal_cake.jpg

Bon Appétit

Welcome.

Thanks...

[Candy Cigarettes]

i also think that we should have one 4-on-4 OT followed (if necessary) by a shootout. it would spike interest in the game, and it would elininate ties. and, if the AHL figures are a pattern, it will make more OT and regulation decided games. by the way, one of my favorite things about the NHL are the playoff OT games. no matter who is playing, i am on the edge of my seat. hockey OT is the best OT in all sports.

This was my thinking also. One 4 on 4 OT followed by the shootout when necessary. Playoff OT games are fantastic and I would have no problem with playoff games reverting to multiple OTs format until someone wins.

[Breck Bronc]

On the subject of uniform design, check this out...

http://www.celsiusdesign.net/sabres/That's a uniform that never should have been changed.

http://www.sabreslegends.com/barnaby_m_h3.jpg

http://www.sabreslegends.com/andreychuk_d_h2.jpg
The old Whalers unis were awesome as well.

http://www.atmos.albany.edu/student/eric/lafontai.jpg
http://www.neutralzonehockey.com/photos/lafontn.jpg Pat La La La La LaFontaine


Another team I would like to see go back to its old uniforms is the Washington Capitals. Their newer style is too generic.

http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/gallery/000049/0273.jpg

http://images.art.com/images/products/large/10097000/10097742.jpg

http://www.neutralzonehockey.com/photos/hatcher.jpg

[orange 4 life]

the problem with the nhl isnt the rules, its that THEYRE NOT ****ING PLAYING!!!!

personally, i think the game is fine.

if they want to eliminate the two line pass a la international rules, im okay with that, but this bullsh!t about increasing the net size needs to stop...

...now.

hey, a few things to help boost the games scoring is fine, but radical changes?

radical changes that piss off the games true loyal fans?

bad idea guys.

tell you what. worry about getting on the ****ing ice now, and worry about rules changes later.
get it?

i didnt think so.

[orange 4 life]

GO AVS!!!


....i WISH!

[bendog]

maybe they should go back to the WWF days and bring back fighting, unlimited beer and topless PF's?