www.hockeymckelvie.blogspot.com
There's always changes requested by fans that should be done to the NHL. Each day, followers suggest different things that would make the sport better then what it is now, is that even possible?. Well yes, because It's not just the losses that get under the viewer's skin, so I will actually start off with my own NHL wish list, most of the things may never happen but I'll just give my reasons on why they could work out.
Wish 1: That Damn "Delay of Game" Rule!
Sometimes there are penalties in which when charged to your team, you disagree, but when charged to the other team, you agree. But, every time I see this delay of game penalty where the puck gets flipped over the boards, I disagree on both sides, even when done by the other team. I'm sure a haystack of people want this gone, so thats why it's my first wish on a change in the NHL. I am not 100% sure on why this rule was put in, but I think it was because players were personally doing it to get a change in because they were tired. If so, then why not make it to what they are currently doing for icing... a faceoff in the defensive zone and a prohibited change-up for team to do so.
Wish 2: Open Your Eyes Ref!..With Technology!
It's amazing how there are so many times where the fans are ready to throw their chair at the official time after time. I'm positive that in every game, mainly in the third period, a questioning call is made on a player who barely even effects the opponents game play, especially when they reach over the others shoulder to try and gain puck control. Then, theres waving off goals because the ref can't see it, or calling a goal saying that he did see the puck pass that line. So, my wish for the NHL is to somehow put tiny cameras in the referees helmets and adjust it to their sight level. Then, when a bad penalty is called, or when a goal is waived off from being unable to see the puck, viewers at the rink and back home can see the point of view of the one who makes the call. Yes, the point of view for the referee can be very different to the camera but it's worth a shot when questionable calls are made.
Wish 3: 40% of OT penalty killing? No way!
If you saw the hockey news a few weeks ago, you definitely have noticed the discussion about having 1:00 penalties in overtime. An idea came up by my favorite GM Brian Burke in Naples Florida at the GM meetings, it makes perfect sense seeing that Overtime only lasts 5:00. I actually thought of this before hand, but I'm glad someone that can actually attract media thought of it which will be in discussion at seasons end. But, when I thought of it, I went deeper into making the penalty in overtime a little more important. I remember in about October, Habs coach Guy Carbonneau was frustrated on how a player took a penalty before the shootout and it didn't matter. Well Guy, heres my response to that. If this 1:00 penalty rule takes place, then if a crime is committed under 30 seconds remaining in OT, the team who is penalized will be on the penalty kill for whatever time is left and will automatically miss their first shot if forced to a shootout.
Wish 4: 9th Place, Double Whammy?!... Not!
To start this off, I will say that this isn't because i'm a "Laughs" fan, but it makes sense. If you are currently in such positions as Florida, Washington, Buffalo, Toronto and the NY Islanders. One thing I don't understand whatsoever is the draft lineup. I notice all these Leaf fans are cheering for the team to lose, I can't do that. This has a lot of cons to to it but there should be a way to work it all out but I think that 9th place finishers should get the better chance of acquiring the first overall pick. I know the Leafs really need this pick but I just can't do it, I can't want them to lose. A team should always want to win, so when your sitting in this kind of position you would want to say to yourself "Lets win so we can get a higher draft pick instead of blowing the season away and not care anymore". Of course this can easily make the trade deadline unexciting because everyone would want better players, but if this were to go into deeper discussion then maybe it could work out to be a good idea.
I will keep this wish list active and when I think of a new idea I'll update it, or if I get some viewers to post in ideas i'll add it up mentioning it's your idea.