Player Safety - Shot blocking restrictions

[mcne0101 16]

I wanted to pick you guys' brain on the idea of restricted shot blocking. In my opinion, the NHL needs to deal with shot blocking both for player safety reasons as well as entertainment reasons.

My idea would be to simply make it illegal to leave your feet to block a shot. I would think the down on one knee block should be illegal too but that may be a tad extreme. I've outlined my rationale for the proposal below.

1) Player safety, protect these guys from themselves. Right now you have coaches like Tortorella who preach shot blocking like its gospel, its not fair to the players to have to lay down in front of these shots for fear of their coaches wrath if they don't. In addition, in the playoffs when the stakes are high the players will do anything to win, including a few guys going head first to block a shot...its just a matter of time before one of those situations gets real ugly. Watch the video of Gregory Campbell's broken leg last night if you need further confirmation of this.

2) Entertainment. Players are getting bigger, the ice is getting smaller and it seems every year a lower percentage of shots make it through to the goalie. I for one get sick of seeing 55 shot attempts and 25 blocks through the course of a game. The way i'd like to see the rule wouldn't be to eliminate shot blocking but make players square up to the shooter and block the shots while standing. It would lower the percentage of blocks and increase the speed of the game.

Thoughts?

[Cosmic 178]

I support it 100%. I saw Brian Boyle go down to make a block old school goalie style (just dropped to his knees and stayed upright otherwise), and it looked like the puck (coming off a hard slapper from the point, maybe Mike Green during the WAS series) hit him in the relatively unprotected area between the knee cap and below the pant. It did not look pleasant, but yea, had he not done this, he ends up in Tortsie's doghouse, right? I am a NYR fan (and I like some other teams as well), but I think they are limiting themselves with this strategy. They just seem to get so few odd man rushes off of turnovers, because they never pressure the points.

So yea, get rid of these elements that you outline, as the shot block strategy can be a great play for a team, in the moment, and even over the course of a game. However, when key players (I suppose anyone who is good enough to be on the ice at this level could be considered pretty key) are getting hurt, it is not good for the team in the bigger picture. For those who like the low scoring, grind it out type games, where you really have to earn your goals by waiting for the shooting lanes to open, and pick your spots, well, they may not like this idea. I liked the days of old though, when the Oilers were scoring 5 goals per game and it just seemed like there was more ice to work with (mostly because the guys were slower, and the skates did not allow them to move with so much agility like they do today).

Maybe we can set up a petition on avaaz or one of those sites, and put the NHL on notice!!

[sickwilly 37]

I like seeing guys playing their hearts out on both sides of the puck. A great block isn't as exciting as a scored goal, but it can be the type of play that can make a huge difference in the game. At this point, I'd prefer not to see shot blocking restricted. I'd like to see guys wearing visors to reduce the risk of some of the really scary puck injuries, though.

[Tyler Roy 86]

Having a big shit, like a penalty kill, where you block shots for the team and prevent the team from scoring it huge. Listen to the crowd after a shift like that, the place goes nuts and it’s a huge boost for the guys on the team. Blocking shots come with the territory of being a hockey player, you get hurt and it’s a risk for playing. Its the players choice to lay down and block a shot, its part of the game.

[Chadd 916]

Its the players choice to lay down and block a shot, its part of the game.

Not if you play for certain coaches. Logically, you don't want your top offensive guys doing that if you want to win over the long term. Any coach that demands that from his top offensive guys (Torts, Hunter, etc...) is crazy and destined to fail.

[mcne0101 16]

Having a big shit, like a penalty kill, where you block shots for the team and prevent the team from scoring it huge. Listen to the crowd after a shift like that, the place goes nuts and it’s a huge boost for the guys on the team. Blocking shots come with the territory of being a hockey player, you get hurt and it’s a risk for playing. Its the players choice to lay down and block a shot, its part of the game.

"its part of the game"

So were Scott Stevens style head-hunting open ice checks, that is no more. Like it or not the game is changing, and the game has to be open to change to improve the play and the entertainment value over time. I'm not saying you're right or wrong, if its your contention that shot blocking aides in the entertainment value of the sport I can respect that.

That said, I don't think laying down to block shots should be a part of the game; and I don't believe it was a very big part of the game in the past. It seems likes its becoming a bigger part of the game every year to the point where its a key defensive strategy. Players could still block shots, they'd just need to have both feet on the ground.

[Chadd 916]

"its part of the game"

So were Scott Stevens style head-hunting open ice checks, that is no more. Like it or not the game is changing, and the game has to be open to change to improve the play and the entertainment value over time. I'm not saying you're right or wrong, if its your contention that shot blocking aides in the entertainment value of the sport I can respect that.

That said, I don't think laying down to block shots should be a part of the game; and I don't believe it was a very big part of the game in the past. It seems likes its becoming a bigger part of the game every year to the point where its a key defensive strategy. Players could still block shots, they'd just need to have both feet on the ground.

The hard part is legislating and then consistently enforcing a rule about being on your feet.

only slightly off topic: did you know goalies were fined for leaving their feet to stop a shot at one point?

[mcne0101 16]

The hard part is legislating and then consistently enforcing a rule about being on your feet.

only slightly off topic: did you know goalies were fined for leaving their feet to stop a shot at one point?

Agreed.

That said I think a majority of the players would be more than happy to not worry about blocking shots.

[Crossen463 8]

I've always enjoyed shot blocking, so I'd honestly hate to see them have to put in specific legislation about how to block a shot.

I did find that an interesting alternative to shot blocking regulation is the changing of the gear players are using. The NHL and NHLPA meeting a few days ago came out with the intention to inspect players' gear for a multitude of reasons, one of which being that players are feeling invincible with today's gear. The shot blocking "problem" is a fairly new one, suggesting that the less protective gear in the past kept players a bit more honest and not so willing to get off their feet to block shots.

I'm not saying I think this is the solution, or that it's even a good idea. I just think it will be interesting to see what they come up with after looking into player equipment. You would think that if they go through with it, the first year with less protective equipment would be riddled with injuries.

[Cosmic 178]

I've always enjoyed shot blocking, so I'd honestly hate to see them have to put in specific legislation about how to block a shot.

I did find that an interesting alternative to shot blocking regulation is the changing of the gear players are using. The NHL and NHLPA meeting a few days ago came out with the intention to inspect players' gear for a multitude of reasons, one of which being that players are feeling invincible with today's gear. The shot blocking "problem" is a fairly new one, suggesting that the less protective gear in the past kept players a bit more honest and not so willing to get off their feet to block shots.

I'm not saying I think this is the solution, or that it's even a good idea. I just think it will be interesting to see what they come up with after looking into player equipment. You would think that if they go through with it, the first year with less protective equipment would be riddled with injuries.

That would seem counterintuitive to the concussion issues and studies. I mean, if the league officials were to try to rewind the equipment, then how would they do it? "Take this PORON donut off the knee cap here. We need a roll back on this foam," etc.

Not if you play for certain coaches. Logically, you don't want your top offensive guys doing that if you want to win over the long term. Any coach that demands that from his top offensive guys (Torts, Hunter, etc...) is crazy and destined to fail.

That's my point. Players need to be protected from these types. Sure, there are some players who seem to willingly engage in wild stuff and enjoy it (Ian Laperriere), and I am sure that a lot of guys lay out because they are team players and full of heart and sacrifice and all that good stuff, but I think the game would be just fine if the slappers from the point got through a bit more often (with the primary intention of keeping guys healthy and not letting coaches coerce them into hurting themselves), with the side effect of increasing the opportunity for Luc Robitaille/ Adam Graves deflection type artistry (when shots from the point are allowed to get through), as well as those rebound goals from just outside the crease that seemed more common in days past.

[zebra_steve 11]

Hmmmm interesting that they are looking to roll back equipment. I was thinking the other direction as shot blocking is part of the game... in college I took the padding out of an old pair of Jofa 14" shins and put it into my 16" Cooper DG32's...with a good 3/4"+ of padding I would stand in front of any shot with those on. It didn't help me when I took one solid on the side of my foot - this was back in the late 80's so we are talking Daoust Super National 501's (not much between the puck and my foot). I was going to suggest some "Real" carbon fiber composites as the structural parts of the shins and knee cups and re-evaluate the padding and suspension. At work we destructive testing of materials, and I know that we've done composites for the aerospace industry. For the pro's anyway, they might just be able to make shins that are literally bullet proof.....

[Crossen463 8]

with the side effect of increasing the opportunity for Luc Robitaille/ Adam Graves deflection type artistry (when shots from the point are allowed to get through), as well as those rebound goals from just outside the crease that seemed more common in days past.

The NHL and NHLPA seem to think those types of things happened because guys weren't willing to get in the shooting lanes because of the protection of the time. Again, I'm not saying I'm in support of what they're doing, but it's an interesting alternate route as opposed to putting in more restrictions on how the game can be played.

[crazyhick 19]

I think the only thing that should be done is the improvement in the equipment. I mean, how many guys break their leg on a shot block? I'm sure the numbers are pretty low in comparison to other injuries. The Campbell situation only seems like a talking point because he stayed out for the remainder of his shift vs. just laying there and hoping the play stops. He did block the shot properly, but was hit in a spot where his shinpads lacked efficient protection. I don't think we'd be having this conversation if he was hit in the foot from a shot. There's risks to every physical-type job, it's more of a matter of accepting those risks and dealing with it. by making just more rules, you hurt the game more than you help it.

[mcne0101 16]

I think the only thing that should be done is the improvement in the equipment. I mean, how many guys break their leg on a shot block? I'm sure the numbers are pretty low in comparison to other injuries. The Campbell situation only seems like a talking point because he stayed out for the remainder of his shift vs. just laying there and hoping the play stops. He did block the shot properly, but was hit in a spot where his shinpads lacked efficient protection. I don't think we'd be having this conversation if he was hit in the foot from a shot. There's risks to every physical-type job, it's more of a matter of accepting those risks and dealing with it. by making just more rules, you hurt the game more than you help it.

Campbell was an example. To me its hurt vs. injury, shot blocking hurts and I guarantee there are plenty of players whose performance is being effected by a shot they blocked yet they simply sack up and play through it.

In my opinion the positives greatly outweigh negatives...

+Speeds up the game in the offensive zone, d-men stay on their feet skating through the shooter

+More shots, more offense, more chances, better exhibition of talent at the nhl level

+Less injuries, coaches cant create a culture of shot blocking

-regulation, whats the penalty?

-We like the sacrifice/heart involved in hockey

-too much of a change to the game

[Chadd 916]

I think the only thing that should be done is the improvement in the equipment. I mean, how many guys break their leg on a shot block? I'm sure the numbers are pretty low in comparison to other injuries. The Campbell situation only seems like a talking point because he stayed out for the remainder of his shift vs. just laying there and hoping the play stops. He did block the shot properly, but was hit in a spot where his shinpads lacked efficient protection. I don't think we'd be having this conversation if he was hit in the foot from a shot. There's risks to every physical-type job, it's more of a matter of accepting those risks and dealing with it. by making just more rules, you hurt the game more than you help it.

The number of injuries from shots seems to be going up every year. That's the reason the Rangers require all of their players to have extra pads on the backs of their gloves. Hell, even Ovechkin had a hairline fracture in his foot from blocking a shot.

[Souldriver 64]

Well it's terribly hard if not impossible to regulate or disallow it. What if your a d-man and the goalie gets caught up during a cross crease pass giving the shooter an open net. As the D would you not want to kick slide to try to block a shot and most likely a goal? How would you penalize that? I agree coaches like torts that belittle you for not blocking is wrong but that's just my opinion.

I've blocked many shots and rarely do I get an injury from them. The worst is when I'm hit in the skate where there is zero protection or on the side of a leg. But I have taken many a high level slapshot (where the other team calls me crazy for getting in front of"that guys" shot) where they hit me squared on my shins or elbows or gloves and I feel nothing but a little pressure. My shins are also old as hell and were some of the first that used suspension and they're fine.

I think we havnt seen carbon fiber in shins due to cost mostly. It would cost much more to cast a carbon shell than plastic and there would be little difference in weight as well. Though it would be nice to have a carbon knee cap that doesn't split for once. Also how would carbon be stitched up. Hmmm

Also not leaving your feet to block a shot is bunk to me. You're then more likely to get hit in the foot and break something where there is no protecetion.

To me the slide would cause less injury. Most players slide so that it would hit them in the shins, no harm there. Even if it went rogue then the pants are pretty protective and so are the hands arms chest etc. Maybe the stomach would be the killer or if you don't cover your face .

Also there will always be deflections causing injury too

[zebra_steve 11]

Stitch? Why limit your ideas to current production techniques? These would likely be a true custom item anyway...There are more protective materials available, they just don't have the profit margin that plastic stuff molded in China offers the manufacturer. I can think of several ways to build them with flush\recessed fasteners. Carbon fiber knee cap with suspension and customizable padding - yes, yes, yes! Carbon fiber on my shin and calf that you can whack with a bat - yes,yes, yes! Literally Bulletproof.... The trauma plates in the Military vests are stopping rifle bullets and we are wearing flexible plastic? Makes me want to investigate a DIY project... Didn't we have a guy post a couple years back that worked making custom ski boots or something like that and had made his own boots?

I've known guys that would aim for spots with thin or no padding, toes\insteps\ankles (or cups if you dared to go down) of opponents that dared to try to block their shots.....

[Souldriver 64]

well, if they dont break...... how will they sell us new ones next season?

[zebra_steve 11]

LOL...Souldriver you have no idea! I'm one of those guys that uses equipment older than half the players in the locker room. My current shins are Jofa JDP?\ASD from about 1990 or so. Don't remember if they had a model number but they are black and had padded plastic triangle that covered the area between the top of the knee cap and the thigh pad. I think that I paid almost $100 for them 20-somethng years ago and I have yet to see anything that makes me feel the need to retire them..... Don't weigh much more than current offerings and are IMHO way more protective.

[mcne0101 16]

Well it's terribly hard if not impossible to regulate or disallow it. What if your a d-man and the goalie gets caught up during a cross crease pass giving the shooter an open net. As the D would you not want to kick slide to try to block a shot and most likely a goal? How would you penalize that? I agree coaches like torts that belittle you for not blocking is wrong but that's just my opinion.

I've blocked many shots and rarely do I get an injury from them. The worst is when I'm hit in the skate where there is zero protection or on the side of a leg. But I have taken many a high level slapshot (where the other team calls me crazy for getting in front of"that guys" shot) where they hit me squared on my shins or elbows or gloves and I feel nothing but a little pressure. My shins are also old as hell and were some of the first that used suspension and they're fine.

I think we havnt seen carbon fiber in shins due to cost mostly. It would cost much more to cast a carbon shell than plastic and there would be little difference in weight as well. Though it would be nice to have a carbon knee cap that doesn't split for once. Also how would carbon be stitched up. Hmmm

Also not leaving your feet to block a shot is bunk to me. You're then more likely to get hit in the foot and break something where there is no protecetion.

To me the slide would cause less injury. Most players slide so that it would hit them in the shins, no harm there. Even if it went rogue then the pants are pretty protective and so are the hands arms chest etc. Maybe the stomach would be the killer or if you don't cover your face .

Also there will always be deflections causing injury too

I'm not going to make any assumptions as to where you play/played. But I'd venture to guess it wasn't in the NHL with high level shots everywhere and 82 games + the grind of the playoffs. Those nagging injuries stack up.

It wouldn't be hard to regulate it, just force people to stay on their feet. If you intentionally leave your feet for a block its a penalty end of story. If the net is open and you laid down to block the shot to stop a goal...its probably a good penalty to take at that point.

[chippa13 1844]

If you want to make the rule that you can't leave your feet to block a shot then doing so to block a shot into an empty net should result in an awarded goal.

[adam14 182]

I think there would still be grey areas, what if you lay down to block a pass on a 2 v 1 and you try to do so on an angle, automatic penalty if he shoots it on net cause you're still technically laying in front of it?

[zachary 2]

I don't like the idea, although there are some ways these players lay down in front of shots that I'd never do. Personally I enjoy blocking shots because I started as a goalie as a kid and since I'm a D I like to contribute in that aspect. There's certain situations thats I don't attempt to block. If I can see it coming from the point and it's above waist level I let my goalie see it.

[mcne0101 16]

pretty good article that touches on this as well as goalie gear.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/spector-nhl-needs-to-downsize-goalie-gear/

[hockeymass 11]

I think saying that something should be banned because sometimes players get hurt doing it is kind of a weak argument.