Hello Rangers fans! It’s another Rangers’ game day, and another #AskAllison answer! In this article we will focus on goalies, the goal crease, and the goalkeepers’ restriction trapezoid behind the goalie net; NHL official rules 1.7 and 1.8.
The goalie crease is the area directly in front of the goal that is shaded a blue color and outlined with a red border. The goal crease is the main area that goalies play in during the game, to protect the goal; although they are not restricted to only playing in this area. Any intentional interference or contact made with the goal tender, while he is playing inside the goal crease, is considered goalie interference and may result in minor penalties being issued to the oposing team’s player who made contact with the goalie. If the goalie contact is accidental or if the offensive player is pushed into the goalie by a defensive player no penalty will be called; unless the offensive player makes an attempt to avoid the goalie.
In the 2005-2006 season the National Hockey League added the trapezoid behind the red goal line. The new trapezoid area is the only area behind the red goal line that the goalie is allowed to play the puck. Should a goalie handle the puck outside the trapezoid a delay of game penalty shall be called against the goalie. This rule is sometimes referred to as the “Brodeur Rule” because the New Jersey Devils goal tender, Martin Brodeur, excessively handled puck behind the goal and is said to be why the rule was put in place. That is all I’ve got for you guys today! Stay up to date on BlueLineStation.com for more #AskAllison and other New York Rangers info. Stay well, stay warm, and Let’s Go Rangers!!
Don’t forget to tweet your #AskAllison questions to @BlueLineStation