Another video review? The NHL is negotiating another rule change. What about an extension?

The NHL general managers sat down in a room this week for their regular meeting to discuss proposals regarding rule changes. One of the main topics was the possible appeal of two-minute penalties based on video review. Also the subject of discussion was the longer-resonating topic of a possible three-on-three overtime adjustment.

The league’s management is practically constantly trying to move its product, called the NHL, forward. This also means continually adjusting the sometimes entrenched rules. And it was the rules that were one of the main topics at the last general managers meeting.

The most recent proposal concerns judging controversial situations by video based on the Coach Challenge, or the Coaches Challenge. The proposal talks about allowing teams to request video review for some of the two-minute penalties given. Specifically, high stick (stick in the face) and stalling (shooting the puck out of the crease).

In other words, NHL general managers feel that there is often misjudgment by the referees in these situations.

Currently, a Coach Challenge can be taken when coaches believe a goal was scored after a missed offside. A hand pass, a high stick play with the puck, or an illegal goaltender obstruction by an offensive player. The current proposal would expand the coach’s challenge portfolio to include additional situations.

All new situations would be treated the same as an illegal challenge for a goal. Thus, if the video referee confirmed a high stick or a puck out of bounds, a two-minute penalty would automatically follow.

The proposed rule changes require the approval of the NHL’s Competition Committee, which consists of one owner, four general managers and five players, and the Board of Governors. That means the earliest the new rule could take effect after approval is the next season, 2024/2025.

Caution on changes in the NHL

It should be noted that the NHL discusses potential rule changes frequently. But that doesn’t mean that major changes are happening on a daily basis. Even if the puck is illegally kicked out of the rink, it is possible to challenge the proposal with a counter-argument.

According to the NHL’s hockey operations department, it has been statistically confirmed that only 14 of the 766 penalties for this infraction have been incorrectly made since the start of the 2021-2022 season. So this is not a situation where referees make mistakes very often. In the current season, the league has even found only two incorrectly awarded penalties during 1,072 games.

The NHL’s caution when it comes to rule changes is evidenced by a fairly recent proposal that was rejected for now. Earlier this season, general managers discussed whether it would be attractive to modify the current form of three-on-three overtime.

One proposal revolved around the time limit in the offensive zone, the other would have prohibited the attacking teams from leaving the middle of the rink after crossing the red line. Now, however, the GMs have decided not to recommend either proposal at this time.

Statistics say that 227 games played so far this season have ended in overtime 158 times, or 69.6 percent. One other suggestion was to make the overtime last seven minutes instead of five. In that case, it is calculated that roughly 75 percent of the cases would be decided in the time set.

But NHL vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said there hasn’t been enough pressure from general managers to discuss the changes more passionately. At least for now.

Source: The Athletic