All Encompassing Ideas to Help/Change the Game Thread

[Coach]

It seems like a few of these threads pop up every year so I thought we could have kind of an ongoing discussion of potential changes to the game, rather than talking about ice size in one thread, net size in another, goalie equipment in another, etc..

I will preface this by saying that I really don't think much needs to change, I think the game is more exciting now than it has ever been in my lifetime. And I really don't think scoring is a problem. My opinions on the common topics:

Size of ice: I think expanding the width of the rink by 5 feet is a good idea. It is not enough that it would force teams into passive defense like we see in Euro leagues, and enough of a difference that it will give the skill/speed guys a little extra room to do their thing. Any new building should be built to at least expand to this size (or even to Intl. ice if they are an Olympic hopeful destination.

Size of nets: Just no. I absolutely hate the idea of changing the size of the nets. It would be easiest, cheapest option probably, but I am just really against it. Revamping the dimensions of the posts so that they are more likely to be deflected in or out and not straight out is a good compromise and I wouldn't mind seeing that happen.

Size of goalie equipment: I absolutely think this needs to change drastically. Watching the shootout competition in the AS game from the angle behind the player really gave a great view of how little net they have to shoot at. The goalie equipment is supposed to protect the player, not block more net. You can't tell me that there isn't thin, lightweight material that could be more form fitted to the goalie and actually provide better protection and movement, while cutting down on the bulk of the gear. for the leg pads, something more akin to lacrosse goalies would be ideal. Give these guys some kevlar (or something similar, not well versed on available materials) chest protectors that don't need to be inches thick and can maybe actually wrap their whole body rather than the front. Both blockers and gloves can be downsized, particularly in the wrist area.

Why is that cuff so big? How many of these guys have wrists 6 inches in diameter? There's really no reason, with the right material, that the blocker has to be much larger than a regular hockey glove.

[TheScorpion]

James Mirtle ‏@mirtle 16h16 hours ago
NHL should have a fan vote specifically to put a lovable journeyman into the all-star game every year. Lot of great options.

[codynw]

Needs more blackjack and hookers.

Actually, forget the blackjack.

[Poster]

the game is fine, why does it have to be changed?

[PepsiFree]

Change the size of something.

[CroFlames]

Get rid of goalies altogether and play 3 v 3.

[Locke]

For every goal scored the goalies should have to lose a piece of equipment.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Locke

For every goal scored the goalies should have to lose a piece of equipment.

The 'reverse hangman' technique. Interesting.

Technically, it could be 'reverse Hagman' too, since he never scored

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Poster

the game is fine, why does it have to be changed?

If you read the OP, you'd see that I agree, not much, or anything needs to change. But there is so much talk about this stuff at the high levels of the NHL, that something(s) are going to. i just want to see what other peoples thoughts are all at once.

But I really think there is something to be done about goalie equipment that reduces their size dramatically, while keeping, or even improving, their protection.

[codynw]

Honestly, a serious answer, either find a way to improve, or just get rid of the coaches challenge altogether. As much I think the league needs expanded video review on certain plays, the way they did it this year was terribly executed. Slows the game down a ton to remove a goal that was just barely offside, to the point that you couldn't even tell without a slow motion replay. Ugh.

And I'm all for major reductions in the size of goalie equipment. Some of the stuff they wear is just ridiculous.

[FlamesAddiction]

• Ice dimensions - I could get on board with making the ice wider. Not longer though.
• Get rid of the shoot out. Go to sudden death 3 on 3 OT.
• Stop letting penalized teams ice the puck.

• Off ice - make the draft lottery a true lottery with less weight given to bottom feeders. I realize they are doing this now, but I don't think it goes far enough.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

• Ice dimensions - I could get on board with making the ice wider. Not longer though.

This doesn't improve the game at all. The wider the ice is, the slower the game is. Of all the ideas (including larger nets) this is the worst one.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

I thought this was a thread about "Ideas to Help/Change the Game Thread". My suggestion is winning. Winning often helps the mood of the GT.

[gvitaly]

I like the game as it is, but how about only allowing the attacking team a change for an offensive zone faceoff. I think it could really prevent some teams from slowing the game down. I think it will make the defending team interested in keeping the play going, instead of just disrupting it and hoping for a faceoff win. In addition, when players get tired they make more mistakes, which will lead to more scoring chances.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I don't think anything but making goalie equipment more form fitting is needed. That and getting rid of the shootout. And I don't think that 3 point wins is the answer. 0 point losses is the answer. For the amount of time the shootout takes, I think they could easily make OT 7 minutes and go to a tie if it doesn't end with a winner.

I'm not really concerned with a million other ideas that are going to change the game dramatically. Ice surface being slightly wider is something that I don't think I'd hate but I don't care all that much for either.

[JiriHrdina]

I like the suggestion from Eric D to remove assistant coaches from the bench. The game is over-coached. Remove head sets so they can't coach from above.

[Galakanokis]

I hate replays, they need to go. Rarely do they ever show anything definitively. If a 1/24 frame cannot show what happened live is good enough.

One small tweak I have always thought would work and be easy to add is the elimination of no icing when the puck is iced on the penalty kill. Just keep icing at all times. Gives the team on the power play more opportunities and the potential of more tired defensive opponents. Could increase scoring.

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

James Mirtle ‏@mirtle 16h16 hours ago
NHL should have a fan vote specifically to put a lovable journeyman into the all-star game every year. Lot of great options.

I put this in the John Scott MVP thread as well...It would be smart for the NHL to incorporate something like this into the event every year. 4 teams, each gets an unsung hero:

1. The previous year's Masterton Trophy winner is automatically in the game
2. The previous year's King Clancy Trophy winner is automatically in the game
3. The previous year's MVP of the NWHL/CWHL hockey league is automatically in the game
4. A fan vote for an unsung hero of the game (could be AHL or NHL or even a recent retiree)

Otherwise:

• I agree with smaller goalie equipment.
• I would also like to see a mini tournament to get into the wildcard playoff spots.
• Pucks need to have technology to actually indicate when they cross the line...can't be that hard
• Fix the draft system...once you have been in the lottery for X straight years (5?), you are not allowed to pick before the 6th pick until you actually make the playoffs.

[powderjunkie]

On a delayed penalty call, I'd like it if the penalized team had to clear the puck past the blue line before the whistle blows. Wouldn't affect that many situations, but I hate it when the attacking team has lots of pressure, and a defender just barely gets 'possession' of the puck below the goal line, where he would have been unlikely to clear it.

Also would be interested in including icing on penalty kill.

5 ft wider rink would be great, but it's the most expensive and unlikely change.

Oiler draft rule change.

But most of all is smaller goalie equipment.

[Stay Golden]

Play with a white golf ball. Slap shots and one timers encouraged.