Behind the screen of celebratory pomp the NHL put up for the
All-Star Game last weekend in Vancouver, more than a few general
managers were sporting furrowed brows as they discussed what in
the name of Gretzky to do about the stunning decrease in
scoring, which is down 1.21 goals a game since 1993-94; about
the dreaded neutral zone trap; and about how their fast-moving
game has become littered with speed bumps. In Sunday's 8-7
victory by the North American All-Stars over the World All-Stars
there were more scoring chances than you'd see in a month of
regular-season Sundays, which is why the general managers will
recommend rule changes to the league sometime in February. Here
are six of the suggestions being floated.
1) Make it illegal for goalies to handle the puck behind the net.
PROS: Most netminders are now proficient at handling the puck,
and they've almost become a third defenseman on dump-ins. If
goalies weren't allowed to corral the puck, opponents would have
something to chase when they play dump-and-chase.
CONS: The thrill of masked men with battle-axes roaming the ice
would be lost.
OUR TAKE: We like this idea. It's not drastic, and it would
create more loose pucks in the offensive zone.
2) Move the nets, which are now seven feet, four inches from the
backboards, three feet farther out.
PROS: Playmakers would have extra room to set up and initiate
action from behind the goal; straying netminders who like to
play the puck would be taking a greater risk in doing so.
CONS: Would further clog already clogged neutral zone, which
would be narrowed from 58 to 52 feet.
OUR TAKE: Not necessary if idea number 1 is implemented.
3) Allow two-line passes; center-ice red line would be used only
to enforce icing.
PROS: Would enable teams to break quickly from defensive zone
and would disable the trap because there would be a larger
passing area to defend.
CONS: Would encourage long, desultory passes as opposed to
skillful, several-pass breakouts; offensive players might hang,
neglecting defensive duties.
OUR TAKE: Good idea. The benefits and risks of poaching will
balance out, and a poacher who draws a defensive man will create
even more open ice for the other players.
4) Enlarge the goalmouth, which is four feet high and six feet
wide.
PROS: More pucks in the net.
CONS: Doesn't address the central issue—that scoring chances,
not just goals, are down.
OUR TAKE: Too draconian.
5) Outlaw the trap by mandating forechecking.
PROS: Would foster a more aggressive, more entertaining game.
CONS: Difficult to enforce.
OUR TAKE: No. Referees have enough to worry about. They miss too
many slashes and hooks as it is.
6) Have power plays continue for the full two minutes even if a
goal is scored.
PROS: Power plays are exciting. Players would be loath to take
obstruction penalties like hooking and holding.
CONS: One penalty could decide a game.
OUR TAKE: Good idea. More power to it.
Issue date: January 26, 1998
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