Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Does NHL Need to be more physical? NHL Memo..What's the issue? Tues Buzz

December 11, 2018, 10:43 AM ET [92 Comments]
Eklund
RSSArchiveCONTACT
The THE 2018-19 Trade RUMOR CHART Is LIVE and today I have already updated a dozen players.

There is a lot of talk today regarding a memo the NHL is rumored to have sent out a week ago to its referees. The memo reportedly tells the referees the NHL would like less power plays because the intensity is being taken out the game. The NHL essentially is afraid that the physical aspects of the sport are fading away due to the Refs cracking down on everything.

This has led to a ton of calls and texts from players who feel confused and unsure of what they are allowed to do and what will get them boxed...

First off, I do believe the memo exists, but the NHL is not looking for a return to dirty and dangerous hockey...There are many kinds of penalties in this league, and not many of them are about violence...Whenever this topic get talked about this gets blurred....we see it constantly...

The NHL is more talking about the ticky-tack holding, hooking and interference penalties which are up in record numbers.

One of those penalties, the interpretation of interference, has taken a lot of the excitement out of the game for sure.. I for one truly miss the concept of "finishing a check." When one player legally hits another player after the puck has left within a few seconds THAT is not interference. That is finishing your check and allowing players to keep skating at high speeds without constantly hesitating because they don't want to touch a player a second or two after they get rid of the puck. This used to be common and an exciting part of the game...It was a momentum changer and could get an arena going.

Understand one thing...I am on no way advocating for illegal late hits, blind side hits, high elbows, hits to the head....or anything of the sort. Just a solid follow check through the player sees coming. I have seen far too many of these calls made where the last player to touch the puck is getting hit a little after...and because of that we are seeing players moving at half speed with caution when they defend.

That is the issue.

What say you?

Should the refs call less penalties?
Should the game get more physical?
Do you agree with my beef on interference?
What penalties (or non calls) do you feel are ruining your sport?



On TuneIn Radio


Join the Discussion: » 92 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Eklund
» Best Night of Hockey Yet..With Drama, Comebacks, Upsets!..Picks;Wed's Buzz
» 12 HUGE GAMES. THE BUZZTRON TELLS YOU EXACTLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN...
» Buzztron 7-3 last night. New Tie in Projected President Cup; Mon's Buzz
» The Buzztron Wins another Night Calling Leafs and Rangers Wins. Tonight?
» Caps Get Two Huge Points. Pass Flyers on Projected. 11 Game Picks Today