So it looks like we have a couple of things coming...

The headshot rule is going to pass..No more hitting from side and behind.

Also a new rule is being passed regarding OT :

Real_ESPNLeBrun just spoke with Jackets GM Scott Howson whose tiebreak change went through with a unanimous vote by GMs today. It penalizes shootout wins
Under the tiebreak change, which still needs BOG approval in June, only regulation and overtime wins now count in the tiebreak formula

A lateral, back pressure or blindside hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and or the principal point of contact is not permitted.

A violation of the above will result in a minor or major penalty and shall be reviewed for possible supplemental discipline

It sounds to me like a cop-out by the NHL. Instead of putting in a hard and fast 'NO HEAD HITS' rule like the NFL, they put in a rule is completely open for interpretation, and therefore susceptible to non-enforcement. The NHLPA was flat out lobbying for no head hits, while the BOG didn't want to put in any rule at all except for equipment changes to shoulder pads.

The NHL will request that the American Hockey League to go to a four-man officiating system in 40 per cent of AHL games. The AHL currently uses three-man system for all games. The final decision belongs to the AHL but the NHL is prepared to support it, financially and otherwise.

yes totally agree...Under this rule, Stevens/Lindros hit is legal...

Also saying the referee can give out a 2 minute minor is not much of a deterrent..They need to ban ALL head hits like you say.

This seems like a political move, to make it seem like they are doing something.

I love the idea of an 8 team mini series for the final playoff spot. (blah blah, leafs fan, blah blah)

I also love the idea for an 8-minute OT, 4 min 4-on-4, and then 3-on-3.


I doubt either will ever happen though.

Really, what's the point of that? The whole season is a battle for the playoffs.

Yeah, I think it's the worst thing ever, to be honest.

I don't care for the 8 minute OT, either. I'd take 8 or 10 minutes of 4 on 4, but I don't want to see 3 on 3. That's just as gimicky as the shootout, as far as I'm concerned.

Like I've said before, I love the shootout. It's entertaining.

If the new tiebreaking rule was implemented last year, the Habs would of missed the playoffs and the Panthers would be the 8th seed.

It would focus the battle on the 7th position instead of 8th. It's not like a 1/8 chance of getting the 8th seed is enough to settle for for any team, but it would sure make things exciting for a lot more teams come playoff time.


Honestly, it's just 5 years of no playoff hockey speaking more than anything, but I don't think it's a terrible idea.

i think it would be great...A little bit of march madness, and you can still "tank" and have a shot at some playoff action. Arp would love it.

Plus, as for as selling the game in the U.S. is concerned, Americans love their single game knockout formats.

teams tank to get a better draft choice. This idea is to have teams battle for the final playoff spot so it obviously affects the standings.

This is a dumb idea...I can't believe I'm discussing it.

What are the other teams doing while this is going in?

Take it up with Garth Snow..He devised the idea.

How about a singing contest for the final playoff spot? They love American idol too. Or maybe Crosby can be given roses to hand out.

It would only be 4 nights worth of games. It could be done in one week. a 1-week break before the playoffs start is pretty close to standard anyway.

is it any different than having a penalty shooting contest decide the winner of a game?

Bill Simmons suggested something like this a few years ago (when his Celtics were openly tanking to try to get a better draft pick to get Greg Oden or Kevin Durant).


"Shorten the regular season by four games, guarantee the top six seeds in each conference, then have a double-elimination tourney for the seventh and eighth seeds between the remaining 15 teams. I suggest this for five reasons. First, it would be entertaining as hell. In fact, that's what we'll call it: the Entertaining-as-Hell Tournament. Second, I'm pretty sure we could get it sponsored. Third, the top 12 teams get a reward: two weeks of rest while the tournament plays out.

Fourth, a Cinderella squad could pull off some upsets, grab an eighth seed and win fans along the way. And fifth, with the Entertaining-as-Hell Tournament giving everyone a chance, no team could tank down the stretch without insulting paying customers beyond repair. That's the lamest thing about tanking: not that it's morally unsound, but that fans pay full price to see a depleted group of losers with dubious intentions. At a recent Bobcats-Celtics game, my father (a 34-year season ticket-holder) watched Boston toss away a double-digit lead while Pierce and Jefferson watched from the bench. To his right, a fan screamed at Doc Rivers, "You're doing the right thing!" To his left, another fan screamed that the collapse was "an absolute disgrace!" And as my father told me later, the disturbing thing was that both guys were right."

Meh, this is a weak.

Well, shooting is a skill most hockey players have and breakaways do happen in a game, so yeah, I think it's a lot different.

the more i think about the more i think its a great idea...Also allows teams a "second chance" Carolina had major injuries all year, but this would allow them to possibly make the playoffs...The Leafs who had a horrible start, and maybe they make the playoffs...The fans of these cities would have amazing excitement..

DO IT NOW.

On the contrary, I think it perfectly illustrates how ridiculous your argument is. Your having no reply other than to try to call it weak is only proof how strong it really is.

It's pretty straw man-ish, actually. I was implying that a side bonus of this is that it would help sell the game in the U.S. They like single game knockout style tournaments (ie. March Madness, NFL Playoffs). You brought up a bunch of completely irrelevant things that Americans also like to 'refute' my point.

While I would not want to see this happen, I do believe many American's would enjoy it.

Lol

what else do Americans like? How else can we change the game to gain new fans in the USA. If the Olympics ( a tournament not unlike the one you're now suggesting) can't win over new fans then I doubt this will. How excited will potential hockey fans be to watch a tournament with the Leafs, Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Oilers...etc....

And why should a team like the Oilers or Leafs be given an opportunity to take the final playoff spot away from a team 20 points ahead of them?

You are a very close minded person when it comes to this...Its an extension of the playoffs..Most years the 8th seed qualifies for the playoffs on the last game of the season..Actually your team qualified for the playoffs last year on a rule that they wouldnt this year.

Also again with the Habs example, they STUMBLED into the playoffs and had no shot moving forward.(4 straight losses at the hands of the Bruins).If you get a team like the Hurricanes who are playing great hockey , and had major injuries to start the year, the playoffs will be much more exciting.

I hate hate hate hate hate it.

I never said we should change it to appease the Americans. I said I thought it was a good idea on it's own merits, and a side bonus would be that Americans would enjoy it.



As for why should a bad team get a chance? Because it would be exciting to watch. The only 'injustice' is to the 8th place team, who probably barely snuck in anyway. The Leafs or the Oilers would still have to win 4 straight games against superior opponents, and if they succeeded, they would be thrown into a playoff series against the best team in the conference, so it's not like they are being 'handed' anything, it's just a small chance to add some excitement for the fans.

Re thinking my earlier thought..

This would take away from traditional tankers...tanking is bad for hockey, bad for business...ITS JUST PLAIN BAD

The race for the final playoff spot is already exciting for "fans". As is the playoffs. I think this tournament would belittle the regular season and make it truly irrelevant. A team could lose every game during the regular season and still make the playoffs. I think that would be the opposite of good for hockey.

How would it belittle the regular season...its only for one playoff spot..Top 7 dont get affected...

This way a team having early injury problems, trades etc wont be out of the playoffs in October...The Canes should be a playoff team...

It only belittles the regular season if you think being the 8th best team out of 15 is some sort of real accomplishment.

This would create more of an exciting 1-8 matchup...As the 8th seed will be a very hot team playing well...


Its an amazing idea, and Garth Snow should be deemed a geniOus

The point of the regular season is to battle for a playoff spot. Battling all year to earn that 8th spot IS a real accomplishment compared to beating 4 of the worst teams in the NHL.

They would be a very hot team because they won four straight games against some of the weakest teams in the league? The teams grabbing the final few playoff spots are often some of the hottest teams entering the playoffs.

was it like that last year with the Habs??

This is not a Habs/Leaf argument but we can mak it one if you'd like? Or will you just cry, complain and run away again?

You said the 8th team is a team thats playing well..the MOST recent example of the 8th seed is the Montreal Canadiens..

They barely made the playoffs after a pretty dismal last 15-20 games....

They were swept away in 4 easy games by the Bruins...

Just the facts.

I did not say the 8th team is a team that is playing well. Learn to read.

If it will help the Wings get into the playoffs I am all for it!!!

I m reading...and thats what you said.

I think that's why the Leafs fans like the idea. They can't battle for a whole season and make it so they need some type of gimmick.

your face is a gimmick..

its true i read about it somewhere.

I said teams grabbing the final few playoff spots are often some of the hottest teams entering the playoffs. Thi is significantly different than the team that grabs the 8th spot is the hottest team entering the playoffs. Perhaps Adrian can explain the difference when he gets home from kindergarten.

Is this where I cry and accuse you of namecalling and trolling? Or do I just go straight to the quitting for an hour?

so the team in 8th spot is not one of the final few spots?

Dont you think the Canes deserve to make the playoffs after losing Staal and Ward most of the year.

or do you think gimmicks camouflage the real effects of the hyprocisity?

I'm not sure if you need a sense of humour or a timeout...or both. Maybe you and Adrian can sit in the corner together and think about your contributions.

Well then what's your point? This doesn't affect "the final few," it affects the 8th spot. I'm confused.

All teams have injuries. Ward is still injured...maybe we can hold this battle for the last playoff spot when he's healthy.


The way you contradict yourself is amazing.