The Rules, They Are a-Changing

[RGM81]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=374016

Changes are coming to NHL arenas this fall even though the league didn't emerge from its two-day research and development camp with any significant rule recommendations.
When the puck drops on a new season in October, each of the 30 arenas around the league will feature a curved spring-loaded glass stanchion between the benches to protect players. There will also likely be a series of minor changes made around the net to assist with video review calls.
"I think there'll be a few things, including the curved glass, that we'll see in NHL games this year," league vice-president Brendan Shanahan said Thursday.
The new glass stanchions are designed to prevent incidents like the one that saw Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty suffer a concussion last season after being hit by Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara and slamming into the boards between the benches.
"We all agree that the curved glass makes the playing environment safer for our players so we want to have it in the game," said Shanahan, who organized the camp for a second straight year. "Now again, a camp like this is to shoot pucks off it and decide -- is a puck in play or is a puck out of play when we touch it?"
The new design of net comes with a 40-inch frame as opposed to the traditional 44 inches. It also features a clear plastic strip along the top, thinner mesh and a built-in high definition camera -- changes that should make the job easier for the league's video review room.
There will also likely be a new "verification line" that runs three inches behind the goal-line and can be used to determine if a puck completely entered the net.
Since the changes to the net won't directly impact the rulebook, the procedure for implementing them is still being ironed out. They'll be used during training camps and exhibition games before the hockey operations department makes a decision on whether they'll be on display in the regular season.

I like the changes being made to the nets, especially the verification line. Now we can get past this "inconclusive as to whether the puck 100% crossed the goal line" business. Should be interesting to see how the goalies handle the shallow nets too. Likely going to be more wrap-around drills early in the year.

[marekschwarz33]

I don't think the shallow nets will have much of an effect. Should be easy enough to adjust considering how well goalies move laterally now. A well played V-H combined with the paddle down should stifle pretty much any wrap attempt.

[gatesnapper]

do these sort of rules changes affect AHL and other minor league hockey leagues?

[RGM81]

They usually trickle down at some point. Gotta get everybody on the same page.

[centrehice]

I for one, am not crazy about the new Ball Hockey Nets.

I was mad when the NHL changed the goals from the Big M metal inside that at least held the puck in the net when you scored. I also loved the clanging sound. Many on here were not born when they were in use, but a big fave.

The only thing pleasing about the new nets is that when a sniper takes a Nedved or Kovalev wrister, you will see it go into the top of the net immediately and will avoid confusion about playing until the next whistle for review.

[stop__dreaming]

I like the verification line. Hopefully will see some concrete 'evidence' that it's definitely over the line.

[MatsSundin13Rocks]

The hybrid icing rule should also be implemented along with removing the trapezoid and icing in effect while shorthanded (can still change if you ice it shorthanded).

[Wickabee]

I like the idea of not being allowed to ice the puck on the PK. You're being penalized, so why do you suddenly have an extra advantage.
As for changing after a PK icing, I could go either way, but again, you're being penalized.

[patrickadams26]

I don't like the change in the net. I heard this is for more wrap arounds chances/goals, if a player can't do a wrap around with the current nets to bad for them. Wrap arounds are a skill some player have it some don't. I don't know about everyone else, but I enjoy lower scoring games that are close ie 3-2. The 7-5 games aren't my thing. I guess this is a plan to get more "people" interested in the game.

I like the verification line and the thinner meshing.

I would like to see the trapezoid removed.

[OBOMBA]

did they actually make the nets smaller? JESUS CHRIST the competition today is already unbareable