The celebrated return of the NHL has been a bittersweet occasion for diehard fans. After an entire season without hockey, spectators are soaking up every minute of play they possibly can. The game, however, has not returned from its hiatus quite the same. The new rules arguably have not resulted in a positive change in the sport.
The greatest issue of contention is the rule that has removed the possibility of a tie from regular season play. Shootouts are deciding many games, eliminating the team aspect of hockey. Intelligent defence and good puck handling don’t matter when what it all comes down to is a shootout. This new regulation awards an additional point to the team that wins a shootout. What could very well end up happening is that less successful teams could get one of the coveted playoff spots merely based on a high shootout record, undermining the quality of a team’s overall performance.
Another rule that hurts the game is the introduction of the trapezoid area behind the net. This limits the goalie’s ability to make the amazing plays that added to the excitement of the former NHL. We won’t get to see the incredible skill these goalies have outside of protecting the net and blocking shots.
An improvement, however, is the elimination of the red line. It will open up the ice more, which will allow for more offensive play and discourage them from using the trap for defence. As for the increasing number of penalties, hopefully players will adjust to the new rules and things will level off.
Although it was necessary for the NHL to make these changes in order to be sustainable and draw crowds, it seems the league has sacrificed a part of what made devoted fans continue to watch. It is an unfortunate commentary on the sport that commercialism has dictated these new changes—this need for more speed, more goals, more immediate action. And the saddest part is that these changes have been made to attract an audience that may not be as dedicated to the sport, while diehard fans are forced to accept these changes and mourn the loss of the hockey they once knew.
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