Enforcing the No Standing During Stoppages of Play Rule
More of a recent rule, this one is actually quite important. Hockey games in general are such that the entire arena is focused on the game and solely on the game. Almost nobody is on their phones while play is in action.
And nobody, absolutely nobody, likes to be blocked while the puck is in play.
Of course, that’s the reason this rule is as important as it is. A lot of times, when people come back from intermission they’re careless in blocking peoples’ views. Mostly this is because they’re coming back from buying food or beer and don’t want to miss any of the game themselves.
This rule being more strictly enforced simply keeps everybody happy and able to watch. The Garden’s management has done a decent job of it so far, but it definitely could be better. Keeping the peace is always priority at these games, especially when the stakes are high.