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]

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]

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]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

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]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

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]

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

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.

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

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.

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

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

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

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

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]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

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