Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan
This is such a big change in the rules I'm a little surprised that nobody is mentioning it more, especially the bolded part. Basically, the only way the face-off will ever be outside the zone is if the player shoots the puck directly over the glass without anyone or anything touching it, that or it goes out and comes back in off-side. It already stays in if it goes off the goalie or defending team, so basically you're going to see shots galore if there's any opportunity to get it anywhere near the net. Zone entry is still very difficult and a major impediment to a consistent offensive attack. When dumping the puck is most often the best option, and you're definitely not assured of retrieving the puck to create an attack, taking what was a neutral zone face-off and making it an offensive zone face-off will do two things: 1) put a heck of a lot more emphasis on face-offs and centers, and 2) create a lot more sustained pressure on offense.
Probably a good rule change, but it will definitely do a lot to change the way the game is played. Add in the face-off rule changes with penalties and it's now a lot more difficult to defend in the NHL. Goals will likely go up, not a bad thing at all.
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You have to think guys will be working on creative ways to hammer the puck in just after crossing the red line causing the puck to deflect out and force more offensive zone faceoffs.