Rules! Rules! Rules! There are too many rules! Can’t things just be simpler and less strict? After all, what’s the old saying? Rules are meant to be broken? 

Hear, hear!

The NHL has so many rules that it’s no wonder they’re a constant source of debate and consternation. Well, I’m not a miracle worker, but I do have some ideas for how we can better the great game of hockey from a rules perspective. So, without further ado, let’s dig in.

1) A SHORT-HANDED GOAL ENDS THE POWER PLAY

This one is very straightforward. If a team who’s on the penalty kill scores a short-handed goal, it should automatically end the power play. 

The PWHL is trying this out in their inaugural season and while there’s not yet any evidence to support what I’m about to say, I’d be willing to bet a large sum that it has a positive impact on the game. 

Think about it. The team who’s serving a penalty usually goes into a cocoon trying to defend the house (their goal). This would change that. NHL teams will still try to play defense, but they’ll be more willing to take a chance and try to score a shorty. It’ll lead to more action on the ice, more excitement for the fans, and more goals being scored. 

I call that a hat-trick of positive outcomes. 

2) POWER-PLAYS GO TO COMPLETION REGARDLESS IF A POWER-PLAY GOAL IS SCORED

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a new thought. The NHL used to play with this rule; way back in the ye’ old days. Teams used to be able to score one, two, three, etc. power-play goals on a single power-play opportunity. And it didn’t matter if they were on the power-play for two minutes, four minutes, or five. 

Let’s bring this one back. Imagine Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews being told, “Go score as much as you want.” Talk about the offensive numbers players would put up. It’d be like we’re back in the 1980s. (Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point). 

3) SAYONARA TRAPEZOID

What’s that? Did I just hear every goalie in the world start celebrating? Get rid of the trapezoid you say? Can I get a hallelujah? 

The NHL implemented the trapezoid to limit the offensive capabilities of goalies. Actually, that’s not quite true. They created the trapezoid to limit one goaltender – Martin Brodeur. Why? Well, he was just too damn good at handling the puck. 

But let me ask you a question. Why was he punished for being so good? That’d be like saying MLB should ban Outfielders from hitting home runs because Babe Ruth was too good at it. 

Forget the trapezoid and let goaltenders do what they can regarding stickhandling. Other than some egotistical defensemen, who’s it gonna hurt? Nobody, that’s who.

4) WIN A CHALLENGE, GET A POWER PLAY

Currently, when an NHL Head Coach calls for a challenge if he should lose, his team gets penalized with a minor penalty. But what about when a Head Coach wins a challenge? They just get a call that goes their way.

Sure, a call going their way is helpful and a small reward for being right, but why is there a bigger penalty than a reward? It should be even. Lose a challenge, get penalized. Win a challenge, get a power-play. It’s that simple.

5) NO VOLUNTARILY LEAVING THE O-ZONE IN OVERTIME DURING THE REGULAR SEASON

How many times do you see a team circle back out of the offensive zone to “regroup” during three-on-three overtime? The answer? Way too often! 

Sure, three-on-three hockey is exciting, it’s gimmicky and it’s only in place during the regular season, BUT it could and should be better! And it used to be.

When the NHL first went to three-on-three overtime, teams traded offensive chances like kids trade candy in the lunchroom. But over the years, Coaches have decided they want their teams to play a more conservative, possession-driven brand of hockey in the extra period. 

Yes, every now and again you still get an overtime period played like it used to be, but that number dwindles every year. I say, let ‘er rip. 

3ICE has a version of this rule on its books and by and large, it’s a successful one. So let’s bring it to the NHL and watch as more games get decided in the extra period, and fewer go to a shootout. Besides, who doesn’t love watching hockey played at a breakneck pace? 

CONCLUSION

If the NHL implemented these five rules, the game would be more popular than ever. Scoring would go up (but not so much that it becomes like the NBA), and the speed of the game would increase even more. 

Implement these rules, and The NHL will become a “must-watch” sport. The NFL realized it needed more offense. MLB realized it needed more offense. The NBA didn’t need more offense but opted for it anyway. It’s about time the NHL hopped on the Offense Train and sat back to enjoy the ride.