I'm also always surprised by the backlash against this rule. Shooting the puck out should never be a viable defensive play, and you should have enough skill and control to make a legitimate play in order to clear your zone, even if you just ice it. Can't do it? Too bad. You either turn the puck over or take the penalty. I like that the rule is black and white.
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A few weeks after crashing head-first into the boards (denting his helmet and being unable to move for a little while) following a hit from behind by Bob Errey, the Calgary Flames player explains:
"I was like Christ, lying on my back, with my arms outstretched, crucified"
-- Frank Musil - Early January 1994
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