New York Rangers: New video review rules adopted by NHL, thank goodness

Other rule changes

The helmet rule

If a player’s helmet comes off during play, they must either put it back on or exit the ice surface. If he makes a play with no helmet, the player will be assessed a minor penalty.  This rule is an interesting one considering that players played with no helmets in the NHL for almost 100 years.  Also, if a player pulls the helmet off the head of an opposing player, he will get a two minute minor for roughing. That will prevent a player from pulling a helmet off and forcing an opponent to go to the bench.

Line changes

Defensive teams will not be allowed to change lines if their goalie freezes a puck that is shot from outside the red line in center ice.  Also, if a defensive team accidentally dislodges the net and stops play, the defensive team will not be allowed to change lines.

Face-offs

Now, teams beginning a power play or after an icing will be able to pick which faceoff dot they would like to play from.  Same goes for the plays described in the line changes rule change above, the offensive team will get to pick which faceoff circle they want to use.

In another rule change, if the attacking team shoots the puck out of bounds while in the attacking zone, the faceoff will take place in the offensive zone.

The “duh” rule

It’s hard to believe that this rule didn’t exist.  The new rule is if a goalie dislodges the net during a breakaway to stop play, a goal will be awarded.  No kidding.

What didn’t change

What didn’t change was that there is still no challenge possible on missed penalties.  That was the situation in Game Five of the Finals when Tyler Bozak tripped Noel Acciari of the Bruins with no penalty called.  The Blues subsequently scored and ended up winning  the game.

The league feels that discretionary calls by referees should not be challenge-able.  That kind of missed call will only be rectified if the league goes to an “eye in the sky” referee who can make calls that the on-ice officials miss.

At least the NHL heirarchy moved quickly to rectify an awful and embarrassing situation.  Did they go far enough?  Probably not, but it is a good start.