NHLers like some of the rule proposals shot down by GMs, and more LeafsWings,
The NHL’s general managers got together in Florida to throw around some ideas that might make the NHL better.
They ultimately decided not to recommend any significant changes for next season. So, the nets aren’t getting bigger. Icing won’t be called during penalties. The faceoff dots aren’t moving. Offside remains the same.
But players — at least the ones involved in Tuesday’s Maple Leafs-Red Wings game — kind of liked a few of their ideas, especially the notion of three points for a regulation win (keeping two for an overtime or shootout win, one for an OT/SO loss and none for a regulation loss).
“In a perfect world, you want to see someone get rewarded more for a win in regulation versus a win in a shootout or overtime,” said Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk. “If there’s anything they can do to help that, that would be a good thing.”
The 3-2-1-0 system was initially considered when the league came out of the 2004-05 lockout, initiating the shootout. The league has preferred the current system (2-1-0) even if it means some games are worth more than others because it keeps the standings tight. It also better preserves points records.
But there’s a purity to the 3-2-1-0 formula that players like.
“I was raised on that point system,” said Detroit forward Tomas Tatar, a Slovak. “That would prevent two teams reverting to defence to get to overtime. . . . I would like that.”
The 3-2-1-0 system, like every other idea, was shelved. But sometimes ideas need time to gel. Three-onthree OT was introduced slowly, after a trial run in the AHL. The reduction in the size of goaltender equipment is being implemented over time. In fact, the goalie pants got smaller at mid-season this year. So any talk of bigger nets, according to Leafs goalie Freddie Andersen, should wait until the full effect of the narrower pants is fully understood.
“It’s that time of year, is it?” said Andersen, joking about what seems like an annual talk about net size. “It’s silly. I’m sure they can find some clips of more goals being scored because of the pants. Around the league, there have been some squeakers that have slipped through. They took a good step toward what they want to accomplish.”
One idea that was panned by those interviewed Tuesday was the notion of calling icing during a power play, especially if that meant the penaltykilling unit couldn’t change. The NHL Players’ Association would likely raise health and safety issues if the league pressed it.
“You can really get trapped out there for two minutes,” said Leafs winger Connor Brown. “The power play operates at about 20 per cent. That’s enough goals in that regard.”
One idea that made a few eyes pop was to remove faceoff dots to the left and right of goalies, replacing them with one dot in the slot.
“Hockey has history and this would change a lot,” said Tatar. “That sounds pretty aggressive.”
Another idea was to ensure a player is on both skates when blocking a shot. This would make it an offence to slide or go down on one knee to block. It would be hard to enforce, given scrambles in front of the net.
“I assume the idea is to create more shots? I’m okay with it,” said Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly.