What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

[Money99]

We got off topic on the Colin Campbell thread so I figured I'd start it here.
If you could make any 3 changes to the NHL, what would they be?
I'll start:

1. Shrink goalies or make nets bigger. They don't have to grow very large, but an additional 2-4" in length and height would probably do it. Heck, you probably only have to shave the posts down to 1" in diameter to get at least 1 or 2 more goals per game.

2. Get rid of the 3 divisions and go back to 2 per conference with the top 4 in each making it.
I think this would get us back to some really cool rivalries.

3. Disallow players to leave their feet to block a shot.

[SPTO]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

1) No more points for losing. It's either 2 points for a win and zip for a loss. I'd even be willing to allow 3 point games (win in regulation) and 2 for an OT win.

2) Shrink goalie equipment/make net bigger

3) (this can't happen even if I wanted it to) change the size of the ice, maybe not to European size but somewhere between the North American sized rink and the European size.

[DrJones]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

I'll stick with rule changes, as opposed to "move team X to Winnipeg" kind of stuff.

1. Eliminate the following defensive advantages:
a.) Being able to make a hand pass in the defensive zone. Should be treated like an even-strength icing.
b.) Being able to ice the puck while shorthanded. Should be treated like an even-strength icing.

2. Remove the dumbest penalty in the book: the 2-minute delay-of-game minor for shooting the puck over the glass while in the defensive zone. Should be treated like an even-strength icing.

3. The horse I will continue to beat to death. Change the standings to 2pts for a reg/OT win, 1pt for a SO win, nothing for any loss. Reduces shootouts, eliminates loser points, promotes score-at-any-cost mentality in OT, gets rid of idiocy like the 7-5-5 Coyotes claiming to be "2 games over .500".

[DrJones]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

1)It's either 2 points for a win and zip for a loss.

The problem with this is that the NHL would have to change its name to the Shootout Hockey League.

[SPTO]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

The problem with this is that the NHL would have to change its name to the Shootout Hockey League.

Well in that case

4) Make OT 4 on 4 for a 10 minute period. If it's still tied with 2 minutes left then make it 3 on 3.

[DrJones]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

Heck, you probably only have to shave the posts down to 1" in diameter to get at least 1 or 2 more goals per game.

This I might sign off on. At least angle the posts so that shots tend to go in instead of out.

2. Get rid of the 3 divisions and go back to 2 per conference with the top 4 in each making it. I think this would get us back to some really cool rivalries.

I dunno. It's that kind of thinking that forced me to endure eight Canucks/Wild games per season a couple years ago. I want the schedule to be more balanced, not less. I want to see all Eastern teams every year. I'd even seriously consider a crossover playoffs (1E vs 8W, etc.) to alleviate the HUGE travel disadvantage Western teams receive. As a Wings fan, I think you'd welcome the possibility of multiple playoff series within the Eastern Time Zone. Plus, I like the idea of any Stanley Cup Final match-up being possible.

3. Disallow players to leave their feet to block a shot.

This is interesting. I'll have to think about it a bit.

[DrJones]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

Well in that case

4) Make OT 4 on 4 for a 10 minute period. If it's still tied with 2 minutes left then make it 3 on 3.

You'll still run into the problem of teams WANTING to get to a shootout, and playing accordingly. My plan eliminates that entirely without the need for extra OT.

[SPTO]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

You'll still run into the problem of teams WANTING to get to a shootout, and playing accordingly. My plan eliminates that entirely without the need for extra OT.

Well looking at your proposal at least you don't reward teams for losing so I can get behind that idea

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

1. Get rid of the freaking Coyotes already and move them back to Winnipeg where they belong.

2. Go back to the USA/World all-star game format.

3. Make the first round of the playoffs best of five.

[DrJones]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

2. Go back to the USA/World all-star game format.

I assume you mean North America/World. Unless you want to see scores of World 20, USA 3.

3. Make the first round of the playoffs best of five.

No way. The first round of the NHL playoffs is an upset-fest as is. The top-heavy NBA is the league that should go back to best-of-5.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

1. Dr. Jones, we've already been through this, so let's not argue it anymore, but 2 pts for a win, 1 pt for a tie, NO SHOOTOUTS! NO LOSER POINT!

2. Get rid of the shooting the puck over the glass = 2 minute minor.

3. Contract or move north all teams south of the Mason-Dixon line (excluding California teams).

4 (so sue me). Reduce goalie equipment.

[BurghFan]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

You guys all want to change the points system. I say get rid of it entirely so the standings are based on win/loss percentage.

Also, didn't they already reduce the size of goalie equipment and/or increase the size of nets a few years back?

[DrJones]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

1. Dr. Jones, we've already been through this, so let's not argue it anymore, but 2 pts for a win, 1 pt for a tie, NO SHOOTOUTS! NO LOSER POINT!

I understand that your hatred of shootouts is paramount. Unfortunately, your way will result in teams playing for ties, as coaches would always prefer playing not to lose rather than to win. I don't want to see teams playing cautiously late in the 3rd period and then settle for 15-20 ties per season.

My way results in no ties, no loser points, no advantage whatsoever for playing defensively in a tie game, much more emphasis on scoring goals and trying to win. The number of shootouts would be reduced at least 50% in year one of this system, 90-95% by year three as coaches who persist in playing defensively get repeatedly punished for doing so. Win.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

I understand that your hatred of shootouts is paramount. Unfortunately, your way will result in teams playing for ties, as coaches would always prefer playing not to lose rather than to win. I don't want to see teams playing cautiously late in the 3rd period and then settle for 15-20 ties per season.

My way results in no ties, no loser points, no advantage whatsoever for playing defensively in a tie game, much more emphasis on scoring goals and trying to win. The number of shootouts would be reduced at least 50% in year one of this system, 90-95% by year three as coaches who persist in playing defensively get repeatedly punished for doing so. Win.

That is quite a rosy outlook on the percentages. But I am on the record as saying that your idea is better than what we have. I'd love to see if your predictions come true. Alas, the NHL is run by clowns, so we probably won't get to test it.

[DrJones]

Re: What 3 Changes Would you Make to the NHL?

You guys all want to change the points system. I say get rid of it entirely so the standings are based on win/loss percentage.

Okay. So what's the winning percentage of the 7-5-5 Coyotes? If you're saying under your system, they'd be 7-10 (a loss is a loss), then great. Just hope you like teams playing for shootouts, because that's what you're going to get.