[edn88]

I can already hear the steam rising from the hockey purist's head as they contemplate the idea, but hear me out.

One of the challenges in the NHL is that the penalties available to be awarded are face off in own end, face of in own end no change, remove a player from ice or a penalty shot.

I believe that there are a number of calls that need a 'penalty' in between face off with no change and 2 min penalty.

I propose that for things like puck over glass, icing, goalie covering puck, goalie playing puck outside of trapazoid, defensive team sitting on puck etc. the offensive team should get a free shot (with no change for defensive team). Puck would go to an offensive player near the blue line and defensive players would have to start below the hash marks. Offensive player would have 2-3 seconds to make a play - either a shot, pass or carry the puck. At the time the offensive player touched the puck the defensive team can move over the hash marks.
The free shot rule would effectively be a faceoff win for offensive team. It would discourage delay of game type of plays without an overly punitive penalty. I would even go as far as to include penalties that are not directly lead to a goal and use the free shot as the penalty. For example, non stick infractions such as holding, interference could lead to the other team getting a free shot.
I think that referees would be more inclined to call these especially in the neutral zone.

Thoughts? I apologize in advance if have offended anyone's sensibilities.