In this edition of the hotstove we discuss which rules we'd like to see changed.
Todd Cordell
The biggest two things for me are the trapezoid rule and delay of game penalties. I think removing the trapezoid and allowing goaltenders to play the puck would be more entertaining. For some guys more touches would lead to more turnovers, whereas others would be able to move the puck up ice quickly, catch teams on the change and create some odd man rushes. I don't see a downside.
I know people want more scoring in the NHL - I wouldn't mind it, either - but I simply hate delay of game penalties. So many times I have seen a player accidentally flip the puck over the glass by an inch or two and the puck end up in his net on the ensuing power play. Games shouldn't be decided over a fluky play like that when it's almost always a complete accident. Players get away with slashes, hooking, holding, etc. all the time but chipping it over the glass while trying to avoid a hit is a penalty every time. It makes no sense to me.
Ed Stein If I was going to change one thing, it would be the size of goalie pads. What would Ken Dryden's stats look like if he had the same size pads as current goalies. Modern technology has made it so that protective materials both stronger and lighter. There is no need for the oversized paraphernalia presently in use. Instead of making fundamental changes such as the size of the goal, why not do the easiest thing and cut down the size of the pads goalies wear.
Peter Tessier I hate the trapezoid and I hate the puck over the glass penalty. However if I could change one thing I would add 5' of width to the rink. It won't happen, we know that already but that's what I would do.
Last spring watching women's hockey I noticed how much more happened on the ice because they had more room. It's a body size thing but it makes a huge difference to the play of the game and the only way to get that space back in the NHL is to widen the rink.
James Tanner Personally, I don't think the trapezoid has too much effect on the game, I kind of forgot about it. As for the delay of game, I like the extra power-plays - more scoring - but I guess I'm just contrary!
Here's my answer:
The NHL needs to focus on safety. The league is far more dangerous than it has to be, so if I was to be able to change anything, it would be to make the game safer.
You can't just do that with one rule, so here's a few I would change in order to make the game more safe.
1) Eliminate fighting. 2) Make suspensions 10x harsher 3) Crack down on front of the net cross checks to the back and neck. 4) Mandate shoulder and elbow pads that are not made of hard plastic. 5) Mandatory neck guards and properly done up helmets. 6) Do something to eliminate shot-blocking. For instance, give teams ten blocked shots per game and call penalties for every blocked shot after that. 7) Allow a little more hooking and holding back into the game. It's too fast now.
Also, non safety related: eliminate the coaches challenge.
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