Paul Stewart: Call Everything That's a Penalty... and Let the Players Play

Thanks Paul. All I ask for with officiating is consistent penalty calling. I understand that they are human, and that some calls will be missed or let go. However, if you call a slash on one team, then call a slash on the other team if one occurs.
I would hate for the game to be decided by penalties, and that would really slow things down; maybe enough time for a nap..lol. Anyway, no favoritism for the "stars," and things should balance out during the game.
Finally, keep the players, coaches, NHL management, and any others that I may have left out, away from the officials during the game. If players have questions, let the coaches bring the questions to the officials after the game; all they need is an extra face in their face. However, it would be prudent for the officials to explain their calls to the coaches from time to time; a common courtesy.

Please explain the concept of the even-up penalty? If you say let players play, then that should never be a part of the game, yet everyone from fan to announcer knows that at some point a call will be made to "even" the penalty calls.

Yes, there is a balance. But I preferred the game in the year after the lockout. And I've been playing, officiating and watching since the mid- 60s. There were almost twice the PP opportunities in 05-06 versus this year.

05-06 - 5.85 PPO/Game; 2.93 GAA
14-15 - 3.06 PPO/Game; 2.52 GAA

Neither year was an absolute strict interpretation of the rule book, but, for someone who likes a fast flowing, end to end game that favors the skilled players, and eliminates some of the clutching and grabbing, 05-06 is much closer to the ideal.

I agree that you don't want to call them super strict to the point that there's 40 penalties a game, but something does need to be done to allow skill to flourish. There's so much obstruction, especially in the playoffs and especially in recent years. Players who have world class talent don't look much different than 3rd line grinders in the playoffs. People pay big money to go watch talent shine and amaze, they don't want to see a bunch of grinders bang in greasy goals.. In the regular season, when I'd watch Crosby or Stamkos or Ovechkin play, they would always have some phenominal plays or goals or whatnot every game, but in the playoffs it seems like you are better off to have a bunch of 3rd line power forwards. I don't have a solution, but I miss the day after the lockout in 2005 when you saw Crosby and Ovechkin putting on a clinic in the playoffs, and there was higher scoring games and much more momentum changes, comebacks and lead changes. Besides the Chicago/Anaheim series, this years playoffs have been blahhhh.

Paul Stewart: Call Everything That's a Penalty... and Let the Players Play
- Paul Stewart

Thank you for this insight!

In case anyone is interested, here's the full analysis going back to 63-64:

http://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/stats.html

BTW, the 14-15 season had the lowest number of power play opportunities since they started tracking the stat in 1963-64.

Mr. Stewart, during your years on the whistle, you called more penalties per game, on average, than they did this season.

If this is about the written rules than the rulebook should be re-written. Too much latitude is being given to officials and, frankly, guys like Wes McCauley and Stephen Walkom above him shouldn't have that sort of power in the games or in setting the standards.

We saw a ticky tacky call on Richards in last night's game that immediately shifted momentum after the Hawks scored their 3rd goal in 4 mins. It was obvious to everyone in the building it was called to slow the game. The same call could have been made at least 3-5 times before that point if that standard was being applied. Then, a complete non call on the Ducks 2nd goal on an obvious GI that could be proven by review. A review flag like the NFL uses is an obvious solution.

All calls should be made if seen. If the rule book reads like the tax code than classify the penalties that must be called when seen and those that will have to be called factoring in some level of judgement by the officials. Take the classifications and grade the officials on what they get write and wrong at each level. Have the grades made by the league office but PUBLISH them so everyone can observe and see who the best officials are using the DATA to judge.

We use advanced stats for the players. Why not the officials? I see the same crews making even more non calls than last year. It hurts the product.

In case anyone is interested, here's the full analysis going back to 63-64:

http://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/stats.html

BTW, the 14-15 season had the lowest number of power play opportunities since they started tracking the stat in 1963-64.

Mr. Stewart, during your years on the whistle, you called more penalties per game, on average, than they did this season.
- scottak

Thanks for posting that link. Unacceptable in the video or digital age when review of officials is easier. They should be calling them as seen and adjusting the playbook based on any conflict.