Meet the new rulebook, same as the old rulebook. Almost.
Last season, we saw some major rule changes in the National Hockey League: 3-on-3 Overtime (Rule 84.1, 84.3), Expanded Video Review (Rule 38.4), Coach’s Challenge/League-Initiated Review (Rule 78.7, 78.8), and requiring the Defending Player to Put His Stick Down First on Faceoffs (Rule 76.4).
This time around, there’s no major modifications to the NHL rulebook. The only change is a slight rewording over Rule 63.2, which covers Delaying the Game.
Previously, a player in the defensive zone would be penalized for shooting the puck over the glass even if the puck was in the neutral zone. In the updated rule, the penalty (or non-call) will be based on the position of the puck – not the player – at the time the puck was cleared.
Here’s the change (additions/removals in italics):
Previous Version of Rule 63.2 – Delaying the Game
When any player,
with both of his skates inside his defending zone, shoots or bats (using his hand or his stick) the puck directly (non-deflected) out of the playing surface, except where there is no glass, a penalty shall be assessed for delaying the game.
Updated Version of Rule 63.2 – Delaying the Game
When any player shoots or bats (using his hand or his stick) the puck directly (non-deflected) out of the playing surface from his defending zone, except where there is no glass, a penalty shall be assessed for delaying the game. The determining factor shall be the position of the puck when it was shot or batted by the offending player. If contact with the puck occurs while the puck is inside the defending zone, and subsequently goes out of play, the minor penalty shall be assessed.
Aside from that one minor change, it’s all the same NHL rules you know and love.
Well, perhaps not so much on the latter for some of them — especially Rule 63.2.
