11/13/05

There are a few things about the "new" NHL, and there are a few things I do not like. I like the five minute then shoot-out for overtime, but only in some cases. I also like the no red line rule. I do not like the more strict rules that have turned the "bang, smash" hockey into "touch" hockey.

I despise that they have a ‘no-tolerance’ policy on holding. There is now a average of four penalties a period for each team! For fans that are fairly new at watching hockey wouldn’t mind, think it is better, or even notice a difference in the game. Other "hockey purists" and I definitely see a difference! I can speak for 80% of purists, that this ‘no-tolerance’ isn’t good at all. It has turned hockey from a rough "bang, smash" hockey into "touch" hockey. I say they should’ve never changed the tolerance. Especially on holding. Just let the players play the game. That’s all.

There are a couple new rules that I do like. I like the five minutes then shoot-out. I also like the restricted area goalies have and I also like it that they have removed the centre red line.

Five minutes then overtime is an excellent way to solve a game in the event of a tie. Although, it does have it’s drawbacks. For example, Florida Panthers. Luongo is outstanding on breakaways, but let’s face it... their offense sucks. So, if they hold off a tie until the shoot-out. Chances are Luongo will be outstanding and will win the shoot-out for the panthers. Which in turn, means the better offensive team, will lose the game. Which I think isn’t fair towards the hard working offensive lines. As I said, I do mostly like that idea. Mostly because it is very exciting when both teams are even.

The restricted area for goalies is an excellent new rule. It stops the goalies from stick handling the puck way out of their net without consequence. When they are not that far away from the net, they have a better chance of getting back to the net in case of a giveaway when the goalie is out retrieving the puck. There is good for both the offense, and the defense.

With the red line out of the way, two line passes are now allowed. Which means long bomb passes and definitely opens the game up. The neutral zone trap is now gone as well, which I think is excellent. The game speeds up and is more action packed when two line passes are no longer a problem in the NHL.

The ‘new’ NHL has changed for the good more than the bad. Although there are a few drawbacks to the sport of hockey since the new rules, the good changes definitely over power the bad ones.