A few weeks ago I wrote an article about video replay in the NHL. A quote from Darryl Sutter prompted it.
“It’s not by the referees, it’s reviewed by Toronto. It doesn’t matter what the referees say, they’re just the messenger.…
I was on a Buzzcast and we all talked about it. We all agreed changes need to occur and we all see that hasn’t happened.
Once again Sutter proves to be a visionary. Shortly after that quote we’ve seen a player taken out of the penalty box, overruled by Toronto. Last night we saw the Rangers and Penguins get called back out of the locker room because Dan Boyle took two whacks at the puck. It was the correct call but why did it take Toronto so long?
There has to be limits. Once a goalie checks out of a game mentally it’s hard to get him back in it. No excuses for Henrik Lundqvist, just saying it’s not optimal. Challenge flags or a time limit should be in the mix somehow.
Once again goalie interference needs to be a reviewable call. This has become an epidemic in the league and players are getting away with murder to be honest. Ask any goalie how hard it is to hold on to the puck when everybody’s in your kitchen. There’s no other position in any sport that has players swarming on a player like this. Quarterbacks are better protected.
Bottom line is, this year, don’t bother looking and quoting the NHL rule book. Toronto can overrule it.
The Shootout
I think the shootout has run its course. I remember when it first landed in the NHL. It was the 2003 All-Star game and the fans loved it. The media liked it for the most part. Here’s what some players thought:
“I wanted to see the shootout once we got into OT,… said Jarome Iginla. “I think that they should go to that…did you hear the crowd the cheer when they heard it was going to be a shootout?… “I know when I watch soccer games I hope they get into a shootout. I hate to see ties. I think the fans would love shootouts after a five-minute 4-on-4. I think the fans would love it and I would love to see it.…
When a confused reporter asked Sergei Fedorov what he thought about the shootout after a regulation tie in the regular season? He responded, “You saw the fan reaction. For the fans it was exciting. For some teams and some players, maybe not. I think it was an exciting experience. I think it’s something to talk about and consider in the future, after overtime though.… Then the reporter said, “Good point, after an overtime tie.…
Fast forward and most fans have soured on it. It’s a statistical nightmare. You get a shootout winner that doesn’t count as a goal but you get a win. We know it’s hardest on goalies and at the end of the day not having a “shootout specialist… can cost you the playoffs. Ask last year’s Devils as an example.
Extend 4-on-4 overtime. Maybe even go the 3-on-3 route after that like “NHL Open Ice… but right now I’d have to think most fans are over it.
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