The blue lines move closer together, reducing the size of the neutral zone from 54 to 50 feet. The goal line is pushed two feet closer to the end of the rink.
The Case: Help the offense, especially on power plays, by giving them more ice to work with in the opposition zone. Also, there is too much wasted space behind the nets. Moving them back creates more quality shooting space.
Impact: The larger offensive zone is a big plus for the power play. Moving the nets will slightly improve shooting angles for goal scorers.
Down Side: A smaller neutral zone might serve the purposes of conservative teams, who focus on breaking up rushes and passes through that area of the ice. Defenders get an advantage behind the net, where opponents have less room to maneuver.
The Case: Icing is boring, boring, boring. Teams indulging in it should not be rewarded. Anything to discourage icing is good for the game.
Impact: Teams under pressure often ice the puck out of exhaustion and desperation. If the same players are forced to keep playing, it's a prime opportunity for the opponent.
Down Side: The first time a team gives up a crucial goal because tired players were not allowed off the ice, the coach and GM will scream blue murder. Let them.
The Case: Why blow the whistle automatically, just because a player is offside in the opponet's zone? The new rule gives them a chance to get back to the blue line (where they "tag up"), at which point the offside is nullfied, so they can charge back in to resume the attack.
Impact: Anything that prevents more whistles is good.
Down Side: The tag-up option was discarded because it was said to encourage too many shoot-ins. A defenseman can throw the puck deep any time, whether his teammates are offside or not. They tag up and go after the opposing defenseman, who gathers the puck and throws it back out, where the other guy gathers it and throws it back in...
A player who instigates a fight in the final five minutes of a game receives a game misconduct and an automatic one-game suspension. The length of the suspension doubles with each additional incident. The player's coach is fined $10,000, a fine that doubles with each such incident.
- Zero tolerance on interference, hooking and holding/obstruction.
- Linesmen can wave off an icing call if they believe the icing to be the result of an errant pass.
- Goaltenders will be penalized for delaying the game if they "freeze" the puck unnecessarily.
- Players penalized for diving are subject to fines and suspensions for repeat offenses.
- Any player who shoots the puck directly over the glass in his defending zone will be penalized for delay of game.
Ideas Considered and Rejected
- Changing the points system. It will remain two points for a win and one point for an overtime or shootout loss.
- Playing three-on-three overtime if the game remains tied after five minutes of four-on-four overtime.
- Bigger nets.
- A larger pool of playoff teams.
Previous page: The shootout and the disappearing red line
See Also: Save This Game: A comprehensive list of ideas to reinvigorate NHL hockey.
