Topic: NHL General Managers make preliminary recommendations

[EE]

The National Hockey League's General Managers today endorsed a series of recommendations for the 2004-05 season that, if ultimately forwarded as rule changes and approved by the Board of Governors: would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line, would reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10, would return the goal lines to 10 feet from the end-boards - thus restoring six feet to the neutral zone - and would restore the "tag-up" offside rule.

"We think these (recommendations) are refinements which, when put together, will strike a different balance in the game between defense and offense, and (will) create more offense," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

Additionally, the Managers recommended that two items be tested for a full season (2004-05) in the American Hockey League:


A system under which regular-season tie games would cease to exist through the implementation of a shootout that would follow a scoreless five-minute overtime period. The points system would be refined, with three points awarded for a victory in regulation time, two points awarded for an overtime or shootout victory and one point awarded for an overtime or shootout loss.
The blue lines and center red line would be enlarged to 24 inches in width, doubling their size.

Two clarifications in interpretation were approved for NHL implementation as soon as possible this season. A penalty shot may be awarded to any player who has a clear path to a breakaway and is fouled from behind before he has gained possession of the puck; previously, the player had to be in clear possession of the puck before the penalty shot could be awarded. Also, the goal frame must be completely dislodged for an otherwise legal goal to be disallowed if a puck legally was shot into it; previously, the goal would have been disallowed if the puck entered the goal while the frame is being tilted or jostled.

The recommendations were the result of two days of discussion among the General Managers and representatives from the NHL Players' Association. The managers will meet again in six to eight weeks, after the recommendations have been refined. The recommendations also will be discussed this summer by a broader committee, which will be empanelled to examine all aspects of the game, and then would be subject to consideration by the Board of Governors for potential approval for the 2004-05 NHL regular season.

---------------------------------------------

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!

This is not freaking Basketball. We dont need more scoring, that just screws up EVERYONES work before them. leave the game as it is, dont [bleep] it up you god damned retard, gary!

Someone kill him please.

[762]

The only shootout I'm interested in seeing is the one where Bettman gets put up against a wall.

[TB613]

"would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line" I don't see where this does anything to "promote" scoring. The goaltender leaving the crease and going behind the net  actually provides a scoring opportunity if he makes a mistake since they are not as quick in their skating because of all the equipment they wear.

"reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10" I see this as having little effect as the good goalies will adapt and will only magnify the difference between the good teams and the poorer teams.

"would return the goal lines to 10 feet from the end-boards - thus restoring six feet to the neutral zone " This should actually be for the better since it goes back to an older rule.

"restore the "tag-up" offside rule" As above this is a return to an older rule and should be for the better.

"A system under which regular-season tie games would cease to exist through the implementation of a shootout that would follow a scoreless five-minute overtime period." AAARRRGGGHHH!!!*&%#! NOOOOO! What kind of drugs are the general managers on?

"Two clarifications in interpretation were approved for NHL implementation as soon as possible this season. A penalty shot may be awarded to any player who has a clear path to a breakaway and is fouled from behind before he has gained possession of the puck; previously, the player had to be in clear possession of the puck before the penalty shot could be awarded. Also, the goal frame must be completely dislodged for an otherwise legal goal to be disallowed if a puck legally was shot into it; previously, the goal would have been disallowed if the puck entered the goal while the frame is being tilted or jostled."

I actually like the change on the penalty shot since it should help make the game play cleaner if the referees enforce it. With the old rule it was in your favor to foul the breakaway player since it is better to take the penalty than to take the chance with the breakaway. I also see nothing wrong with the change to scores while the net is being knocked out of place considering how easy it is to do that now.

Did I mention that I don't like the idea of shootouts?    

[Matsukasi]

Quote:
"would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line" I don't see where this does anything to "promote" scoring. The goaltender leaving the crease and going behind the net  actually provides a scoring opportunity if he makes a mistake since they are not as quick in their skating because of all the equipment they wear.

You're right, but it also allows better odds when dumping the puck into the zone. One less twig for the D to put on the puck. This rule change doesn't do much for me either way really.

Quote:
"reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10" I see this as having little effect as the good goalies will adapt and will only magnify the difference between the good teams and the poorer teams.

I completely agree with you.

Quote:
"would return the goal lines to 10 feet from the end-boards - thus restoring six feet to the neutral zone " This should actually be for the better since it goes back to an older rule.

I'll wait and see with this one. Teams with speed will benefit more than grinders. We'll see.

Quote:
"restore the "tag-up" offside rule" As above this is a return to an older rule and should be for the better.

I don't like this change. I know it allows for more forechecking and more scoring opportunities, but it just annoys me when guys can't stay on the right side of the blue line. I guess I understand why they're changing the rule again though.

Quote:
"A system under which regular-season tie games would cease to exist through the implementation of a shootout that would follow a scoreless five-minute overtime period." AAARRRGGGHHH!!!*&%#! NOOOOO! What kind of drugs are the general managers on?

Oh God I hate this change. If you can't earn the second point in OT, then you don't deserve it. Shootouts are for pick-up games and the Olympics... bleh....

Quote:
"Two clarifications in interpretation were approved for NHL implementation as soon as possible this season. A penalty shot may be awarded to any player who has a clear path to a breakaway and is fouled from behind before he has gained possession of the puck; previously, the player had to be in clear possession of the puck before the penalty shot could be awarded. Also, the goal frame must be completely dislodged for an otherwise legal goal to be disallowed if a puck legally was shot into it; previously, the goal would have been disallowed if the puck entered the goal while the frame is being tilted or jostled."

I actually like the change on the penalty shot since it should help make the game play cleaner if the referees enforce it. With the old rule it was in your favor to foul the breakaway player since it is better to take the penalty than to take the chance with the breakaway. I also see nothing wrong with the change to scores while the net is being knocked out of place considering how easy it is to do that now.

I love defense, so I'm not all that crazy about the Penalty shot rule change. The net rule change is just weird. I know it happens, but it's so rare that this rule change seems unnecessary really. I can deal with that one though.

Quote:
Did I mention that I don't like the idea of shootouts?    

Amen.

[762]

The goalie puckhandling thing seems bizzarre to me. If you want to increase offense, encourage the passing-neutral zone transition game, not the dump-and-chase game. WIDER ICE is what we need.  

[Matsukasi]

You're right in that a wider surface would open up the game for more scoring. I just happen to think that the scoring is just fine. I love a well played 3-2 game more than some of the 7-5 games we get more and more of every year. I guess the twitch FPS generation ( you know, the same ones that say baseball is boring.... whatever ) just can't stand to watch solid defense and checking anymore. Yay for impatience and attention deficit disorder.....not.

[762]

Oh jeeze Mat - you really thing that's what we have today? Clog the neutral zone and clog the front of the net. Yay for defense!   Puhlease, the talent level is so diluted now that's all most of these teams can do to compete. You can thank Mr. Bettman and his 1990's expansion glut when NHL franchises were popping up like Starbucks.

I love good defense, I love good defensive zone coverage, I love a forced turnover in the neutral zone followed by a transition attack. The neutral zone trap is NONE of these things - it's a way for an unskilled team to compete with their betters and bore fans to death in the process.  

[Matsukasi]

I'm fully on board with you on the expansion crapola hockey that we have now, but do we really need to give sub-par players even MORE ice surface to cover up for their inadequacies? If I had a time machine, I'd take care of expansion for you, but I'd rather see the players have to learn to overcome the trap defenses than watch Olympic hockey with no checking, no defense, just shoot and scoot.. bleh. Wheeeeee 9-8!! Look at the talent!!!!! Bigger numbers on the scoreboard don't equate to better games to me.

BTW, it's not just the no-talent teams doing the NZ trap. I remember the Red Wings doing it A LOT in '97 and '98, and they were anything but no talent shmoes. Expansion hockey is still better than Olympic hockey in my book.

One good thing about expansion is that hockey is on tv more often now, and I say that's a great thing. Now we need to clone a bunch of players to get through it. Hell, I'm just glad I can sit here and discuss hockey with another fan instead of having to watch soccer.

[SFC Bennie]

Quote:
"would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line" I don't see where this does anything to "promote" scoring. The goaltender leaving the crease and going behind the net  actually provides a scoring opportunity if he makes a mistake since they are not as quick in their skating because of all the equipment they wear.

Agreed. A good puckhandling goalie is a useful commodity and exciting to watch.

Quote:
"reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10" I see this as having little effect as the good goalies will adapt and will only magnify the difference between the good teams and the poorer teams.

I strongly disagree. Let good teams be good teams. Let poor teams be poor teams. Let goaltending be dependent less on mass and more on skill.  Reduce those damn pads and we'll see which of these so-called elite goalies really deserve the acclaim.

Quote:
"A system under which regular-season tie games would cease to exist through the implementation of a shootout that would follow a scoreless five-minute overtime period." AAARRRGGGHHH!!!*&%#! NOOOOO! What kind of drugs are the general managers on?

I don't like it in soccer, and I'll like it less here.

The best way for the NHL to pick up scoring is for the refs to show more balls and more consistently call holding and interference penalfies. And if a power forward's being crosschecked or roughed in front of the net - CALL THE FRICKING PENALTY!

The problem isn't the close fought 3-2 game. The problem is the trap-filled, 1-0 hugfests so beloved by teams like the Minnesota Mild and the Ne Jersey Dull-vils that are excruiatingly boring to watch. I'd gladly pay to watch Vancouver-St. Louis, Vancouver-Colorado or Vancouver-Detroit, great opponents that play intense hockey. Minnesota knocked us out of the playoffs and should be our archrivals, but when I had a chance to go to their game earlier this year, I passed on it, because I knew that game wouldn't be worth my time and money.

Scott Bennie

 

[EE]

Quote:
"would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line" I don't see where this does anything to "promote" scoring. The goaltender leaving the crease and going behind the net  actually provides a scoring opportunity if he makes a mistake since they are not as quick in their skating because of all the equipment they wear.

"reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10" I see this as having little effect as the good goalies will adapt and will only magnify the difference between the good teams and the poorer teams.

"would return the goal lines to 10 feet from the end-boards - thus restoring six feet to the neutral zone " This should actually be for the better since it goes back to an older rule.

"restore the "tag-up" offside rule" As above this is a return to an older rule and should be for the better.

"A system under which regular-season tie games would cease to exist through the implementation of a shootout that would follow a scoreless five-minute overtime period." AAARRRGGGHHH!!!*&%#! NOOOOO! What kind of drugs are the general managers on?

"Two clarifications in interpretation were approved for NHL implementation as soon as possible this season. A penalty shot may be awarded to any player who has a clear path to a breakaway and is fouled from behind before he has gained possession of the puck; previously, the player had to be in clear possession of the puck before the penalty shot could be awarded. Also, the goal frame must be completely dislodged for an otherwise legal goal to be disallowed if a puck legally was shot into it; previously, the goal would have been disallowed if the puck entered the goal while the frame is being tilted or jostled."

I actually like the change on the penalty shot since it should help make the game play cleaner if the referees enforce it. With the old rule it was in your favor to foul the breakaway player since it is better to take the penalty than to take the chance with the breakaway. I also see nothing wrong with the change to scores while the net is being knocked out of place considering how easy it is to do that now.

Did I mention that I don't like the idea of shootouts?    

If they went back to the games rules, like it was in the mid 90's I would be happy. Gary is trying to make this basketball. in 100 years you will see stupid scores of 103-98, Devils win!

[NJAntman]

Quote:

Quote:
"would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line" I don't see where this does anything to "promote" scoring. The goaltender leaving the crease and going behind the net  actually provides a scoring opportunity if he makes a mistake since they are not as quick in their skating because of all the equipment they wear.

Agreed. A good puckhandling goalie is a useful commodity and exciting to watch.

Quote:
"reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10" I see this as having little effect as the good goalies will adapt and will only magnify the difference between the good teams and the poorer teams.

I strongly disagree. Let good teams be good teams. Let poor teams be poor teams. Let goaltending be dependent less on mass and more on skill.  Reduce those damn pads and we'll see which of these so-called elite goalies really deserve the acclaim.

Not a jab at you, just curious. What do you think this change will do to Brodeur and his style of play?  

[SFC Bennie]

Brodeur's the best goalie in the league and one of the best in the history of the game. I think he'll adapt and the Dull-vils will continue to be a contender for as long as they have him and Scott Stevens.

As I said before, I don't want them tethered to the crease, just reduce the damn padding. These days, NHL goalies have the grotesque proportion of a Rob Liefeld character.

Scott Bennie  

[762]

You know I really can't say I blame Brodeur for being pissed at these idiotic changes. He is maybe the best puckhandling goalie since Hextall or Vanbiesbrouck, and here the NHL in one fell swoop neutralizes one of his big talents.

[EE]

The National Hockey League's General Managers today endorsed a series of recommendations for the 2004-05 season that, if ultimately forwarded as rule changes and approved by the Board of Governors: would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line, would reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10, would return the goal lines to 10 feet from the end-boards - thus restoring six feet to the neutral zone - and would restore the "tag-up" offside rule.

"We think these (recommendations) are refinements which, when put together, will strike a different balance in the game between defense and offense, and (will) create more offense," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

Additionally, the Managers recommended that two items be tested for a full season (2004-05) in the American Hockey League:


A system under which regular-season tie games would cease to exist through the implementation of a shootout that would follow a scoreless five-minute overtime period. The points system would be refined, with three points awarded for a victory in regulation time, two points awarded for an overtime or shootout victory and one point awarded for an overtime or shootout loss.
The blue lines and center red line would be enlarged to 24 inches in width, doubling their size.

Two clarifications in interpretation were approved for NHL implementation as soon as possible this season. A penalty shot may be awarded to any player who has a clear path to a breakaway and is fouled from behind before he has gained possession of the puck; previously, the player had to be in clear possession of the puck before the penalty shot could be awarded. Also, the goal frame must be completely dislodged for an otherwise legal goal to be disallowed if a puck legally was shot into it; previously, the goal would have been disallowed if the puck entered the goal while the frame is being tilted or jostled.

The recommendations were the result of two days of discussion among the General Managers and representatives from the NHL Players' Association. The managers will meet again in six to eight weeks, after the recommendations have been refined. The recommendations also will be discussed this summer by a broader committee, which will be empanelled to examine all aspects of the game, and then would be subject to consideration by the Board of Governors for potential approval for the 2004-05 NHL regular season.

---------------------------------------------

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!

This is not freaking Basketball. We dont need more scoring, that just screws up EVERYONES work before them. leave the game as it is, dont [bleep] it up you god damned retard, gary!

Someone kill him please.

[762]

The only shootout I'm interested in seeing is the one where Bettman gets put up against a wall.

[TB613]

"would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line" I don't see where this does anything to "promote" scoring. The goaltender leaving the crease and going behind the net  actually provides a scoring opportunity if he makes a mistake since they are not as quick in their skating because of all the equipment they wear.

"reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10" I see this as having little effect as the good goalies will adapt and will only magnify the difference between the good teams and the poorer teams.

"would return the goal lines to 10 feet from the end-boards - thus restoring six feet to the neutral zone " This should actually be for the better since it goes back to an older rule.

"restore the "tag-up" offside rule" As above this is a return to an older rule and should be for the better.

"A system under which regular-season tie games would cease to exist through the implementation of a shootout that would follow a scoreless five-minute overtime period." AAARRRGGGHHH!!!*&%#! NOOOOO! What kind of drugs are the general managers on?

"Two clarifications in interpretation were approved for NHL implementation as soon as possible this season. A penalty shot may be awarded to any player who has a clear path to a breakaway and is fouled from behind before he has gained possession of the puck; previously, the player had to be in clear possession of the puck before the penalty shot could be awarded. Also, the goal frame must be completely dislodged for an otherwise legal goal to be disallowed if a puck legally was shot into it; previously, the goal would have been disallowed if the puck entered the goal while the frame is being tilted or jostled."

I actually like the change on the penalty shot since it should help make the game play cleaner if the referees enforce it. With the old rule it was in your favor to foul the breakaway player since it is better to take the penalty than to take the chance with the breakaway. I also see nothing wrong with the change to scores while the net is being knocked out of place considering how easy it is to do that now.

Did I mention that I don't like the idea of shootouts?    

[Matsukasi]

Quote:
"would prohibit goaltenders from handling the puck behind the goal line" I don't see where this does anything to "promote" scoring. The goaltender leaving the crease and going behind the net  actually provides a scoring opportunity if he makes a mistake since they are not as quick in their skating because of all the equipment they wear.

You're right, but it also allows better odds when dumping the puck into the zone. One less twig for the D to put on the puck. This rule change doesn't do much for me either way really.

Quote:
"reduce the width of goaltenders' legpads from 12 inches to 10" I see this as having little effect as the good goalies will adapt and will only magnify the difference between the good teams and the poorer teams.

I completely agree with you.

Quote:
"would return the goal lines to 10 feet from the end-boards - thus restoring six feet to the neutral zone " This should actually be for the better since it goes back to an older rule.

I'll wait and see with this one. Teams with speed will benefit more than grinders. We'll see.

Quote:
"restore the "tag-up" offside rule" As above this is a return to an older rule and should be for the better.

I don't like this change. I know it allows for more forechecking and more scoring opportunities, but it just annoys me when guys can't stay on the right side of the blue line. I guess I understand why they're changing the rule again though.

Quote:
"A system under which regular-season tie games would cease to exist through the implementation of a shootout that would follow a scoreless five-minute overtime period." AAARRRGGGHHH!!!*&%#! NOOOOO! What kind of drugs are the general managers on?

Oh God I hate this change. If you can't earn the second point in OT, then you don't deserve it. Shootouts are for pick-up games and the Olympics... bleh....

Quote:
"Two clarifications in interpretation were approved for NHL implementation as soon as possible this season. A penalty shot may be awarded to any player who has a clear path to a breakaway and is fouled from behind before he has gained possession of the puck; previously, the player had to be in clear possession of the puck before the penalty shot could be awarded. Also, the goal frame must be completely dislodged for an otherwise legal goal to be disallowed if a puck legally was shot into it; previously, the goal would have been disallowed if the puck entered the goal while the frame is being tilted or jostled."

I actually like the change on the penalty shot since it should help make the game play cleaner if the referees enforce it. With the old rule it was in your favor to foul the breakaway player since it is better to take the penalty than to take the chance with the breakaway. I also see nothing wrong with the change to scores while the net is being knocked out of place considering how easy it is to do that now.

I love defense, so I'm not all that crazy about the Penalty shot rule change. The net rule change is just weird. I know it happens, but it's so rare that this rule change seems unnecessary really. I can deal with that one though.

Quote:
Did I mention that I don't like the idea of shootouts?    

Amen.

[762]

The goalie puckhandling thing seems bizzarre to me. If you want to increase offense, encourage the passing-neutral zone transition game, not the dump-and-chase game. WIDER ICE is what we need.  

[Matsukasi]

You're right in that a wider surface would open up the game for more scoring. I just happen to think that the scoring is just fine. I love a well played 3-2 game more than some of the 7-5 games we get more and more of every year. I guess the twitch FPS generation ( you know, the same ones that say baseball is boring.... whatever ) just can't stand to watch solid defense and checking anymore. Yay for impatience and attention deficit disorder.....not.

[762]

Oh jeeze Mat - you really thing that's what we have today? Clog the neutral zone and clog the front of the net. Yay for defense!   Puhlease, the talent level is so diluted now that's all most of these teams can do to compete. You can thank Mr. Bettman and his 1990's expansion glut when NHL franchises were popping up like Starbucks.

I love good defense, I love good defensive zone coverage, I love a forced turnover in the neutral zone followed by a transition attack. The neutral zone trap is NONE of these things - it's a way for an unskilled team to compete with their betters and bore fans to death in the process.