New rules next season

[t6lock 24]

For Rule 67, a penalty now will be issued any time a player places his hand over the puck while it is on the ice in order to conceal it from an opponent or prevent an opponent from playing the puck.

For Rule 76, a delay of game penalty now will be issued to any player taking a faceoff who uses his hand to direct the puck in any direction.

I like the first rule, although I think it may be hard at times for referees to judge if the opposing player has a clear play on the puck before the hand covers it. Not too crazy about the second one.

[Chadd 916]

that should stop the guys from diving on it along the boards or in the slot. The problem is, NHL refs have proven time and again that they will not call penalties if they have any discretion on the call.

[chippa13 1844]

The thing is, why would a player place his hand over the puck if he wasn't trying to prevent an opponent from playing it?

[Chadd 916]

The thing is, why would a player place his hand over the puck if he wasn't trying to prevent an opponent from playing it?

To hand pass it to a teammate in his own end? If you aren't being pressured, it's an obvious no call. Otherwise it turns into a discretion call.

[chippa13 1844]

I can see if you didn't have a stick, otherwise, if you aren't being pressured then there really isn't any reason to put your hand over the puck on the ice to make a hand pass. They should have just made it that a player can't cover the puck with his hand, period.

[Chadd 916]

I can see if you didn't have a stick, otherwise, if you aren't being pressured then there really isn't any reason to put your hand over the puck on the ice to make a hand pass. They should have just made it that a player can't cover the puck with his hand, period.

That was proposed, as was eliminating hand passes entirely. This was the compromise.

[chippa13 1844]

I wonder if refs will interpret this to include the guys who just decide to "fall" on the puck near the crease or in the corners.

[215BroadStBullies610 435]

Like Chadd said, officials don't call 'delaying the game' on players who just cover up the puck. Hopefully they start calling it more for it may be the most blown call in the game. Not of fan of the Rule 76 amendment. Kris Draper was the best, that I saw, at winning faceoffs in his defensive zone with using his hand. The change isn't horrible but it does favor the offense. Again ha.

[habsfan87 0]

I can see this being fairly discretionary, they should have made it so you cant cover the puck but are allowed to "push" it with your glove only in the defensive end however. The second rule I would have thrown into the same category as the first, no covering but pushing or sweeping allowed

[olsona 0]

i am fine with the first rule but on the second one i don't think it should be a penalty just redo the face off if anything