New NHL Rules

The NHL will truly have a new look this year, as many major rule changes have been implemented to increase offense and scoring. The main changes are:

- Removal of the red line (no more two-line passes)
- The return of "tag-up" offsides
- Blue lines moved 2 feet toward center ice and goal lines moved 2 feet toward the end boards, in order to create larger offensive zones.
- Smaller goalie equipment
- Shootouts if the game remains tied after the 5-minute overtime (regular season only)

Most of the changes are good, especially the one's aimed at increasing scoring and excitement. There is an addition to the fighting instigator penalty that I don't care for. I'm not crazy about the fact that the shootout is 3 shooters a side and that a point is awarded for an overtime loss as well as a shootout loss. I grew up with shootouts watching IHL and UHL hockey, and I like their more standard method of 5 shooters a side and awarding a point only for a shootout loss (although there is/was no overtime before the shootout in the IHL and UHL).

For a full listing of the rule changes, click here.