There may actually be light at the end of the tunnel. According to reports on ESPN news today, the teams have been informally told to get their affairs in order regarding things such as player immigration issues. There are also meetings going on seperatly from the CBA meetings that are addressing rule issues and opening up the game. Although there isn't anything to get too excited about yet it seems like there is a sudden spike of activity in many areas that at least gives hope.
Could it Be?
- Thread starter sleepr911
- Start date
Iceman
Verified Trader ,
There's hope. Maybe not for this year. But next year the NHL could be back better than ever. Man would 80's/early 90's style hockey rock my socks off.
P
PhilM
Guest
It would be such an adjustment, for me who has to analyze the plays, going from a game where defence is so dominant in how the game is played.
I'd end up having to bite my tongue on instances where it would normally be "wow whata horrible defensive effort" to "there's the new rules in action, preventing him from grabbing that guy and hauling him down without penalty."
I'd like to be optimistic about this, I really would, but I just can't be.
I do think it's hilarious that the most progress has been made w/o Bettman and Goodenow, just goesto show you that THE FANS WERE RIGHT, in their calls for each of their heads on a spike.
I'd end up having to bite my tongue on instances where it would normally be "wow whata horrible defensive effort" to "there's the new rules in action, preventing him from grabbing that guy and hauling him down without penalty."
I'd like to be optimistic about this, I really would, but I just can't be.
I do think it's hilarious that the most progress has been made w/o Bettman and Goodenow, just goesto show you that THE FANS WERE RIGHT, in their calls for each of their heads on a spike.
wingnut888
Verified Trader,
PhilM said:
Phil, only the more reason to fire those two moron's!! Also wanted to ask you if you have seen or heard of Scotty Bowman's idea on the line the NHL should add at the top of the circles to prevent the trap? I still think that idea would open the game up and end the thug hockey that's played today...
P
PhilM
Guest
The Bowman Blue line.
If I recall correctly it's once a team gets the puck past the line at the top of the circles the red lineis the new blue line and until the puck is cleared past the red line players can remain in the offensive zone without whistle.
I think it's a really interesting idea, and when Mr. Bowman talks, I listen.
I'm not sure if it's a solution to all the leagues problems, I think tagups or delayed offsides would be a huge improvement in itself and see the game going to that before the bowman blueline which is a more drastic measure.
The only way I can see if getting rid of thug hockey would be to go into the more constant play as opposed to many whistles, and having to defend a greater area.
In my eyes, most 'goon' players are some of the most tip top shape guys in the league, there's some players who get away with just having disgusting amounts of talent and their work ethic is lacking, however, a goon player has to be top of the line or they'll get cut, there's a whole league of goons/guys who want a shot, it's called the AHL. So when a 'goon' player makes a team they have to keep working hard and stay in tip top shape to maintain and keep their job.
I think one of the things that would reduce the number of 'goons' in the league would be no red line.
no red line in theory leads to a much faster game as it opens the possibility for moving through the whole centre zone with one pass. That makes the defensive team skate and make sure they have someone behind the last guy.
In my opinion however the no red line rule almost encourages trapping. Keeping someone back which always leads to a 4 on 5 offensive opportunity unless the defensive team is leaking someone.
You see a 2 line redline pass happen very rarely in no red line hockey, and I question whether it adds to the game, many experts love it, I'm not an expert, but, I haven't been convinced to this point.
*edit* got kinda offtrack on that one heh.
time to go drive people around.
If I recall correctly it's once a team gets the puck past the line at the top of the circles the red lineis the new blue line and until the puck is cleared past the red line players can remain in the offensive zone without whistle.
I think it's a really interesting idea, and when Mr. Bowman talks, I listen.
I'm not sure if it's a solution to all the leagues problems, I think tagups or delayed offsides would be a huge improvement in itself and see the game going to that before the bowman blueline which is a more drastic measure.
The only way I can see if getting rid of thug hockey would be to go into the more constant play as opposed to many whistles, and having to defend a greater area.
In my eyes, most 'goon' players are some of the most tip top shape guys in the league, there's some players who get away with just having disgusting amounts of talent and their work ethic is lacking, however, a goon player has to be top of the line or they'll get cut, there's a whole league of goons/guys who want a shot, it's called the AHL. So when a 'goon' player makes a team they have to keep working hard and stay in tip top shape to maintain and keep their job.
I think one of the things that would reduce the number of 'goons' in the league would be no red line.
no red line in theory leads to a much faster game as it opens the possibility for moving through the whole centre zone with one pass. That makes the defensive team skate and make sure they have someone behind the last guy.
In my opinion however the no red line rule almost encourages trapping. Keeping someone back which always leads to a 4 on 5 offensive opportunity unless the defensive team is leaking someone.
You see a 2 line redline pass happen very rarely in no red line hockey, and I question whether it adds to the game, many experts love it, I'm not an expert, but, I haven't been convinced to this point.
*edit* got kinda offtrack on that one heh.
time to go drive people around.
will-411
Verified Trader,
Remember, Domi and Perrot have been the fastest skaters on the Leafs the past couple of years - goons can skate fast too! lol If you truly want goons or pluggers of the team, reduce the roster size.
I also think the Bowman blueline was to get it past the top of the circles then you can pass up to the opposition blue line (expands the neutral zone by about 20 feet) - worked great on Making the Cut (they used it in all of the games).
As for teams getting things ready, don't read anything into that guys. They're only doing it just in case - they'd look like a bunch of idiots if by some miracle the season got started and they had to wait three weeks to get their players to camp.
Anyway, hopefully everyone is well rested for next season...
Cory
I also think the Bowman blueline was to get it past the top of the circles then you can pass up to the opposition blue line (expands the neutral zone by about 20 feet) - worked great on Making the Cut (they used it in all of the games).
As for teams getting things ready, don't read anything into that guys. They're only doing it just in case - they'd look like a bunch of idiots if by some miracle the season got started and they had to wait three weeks to get their players to camp.
Anyway, hopefully everyone is well rested for next season...
Cory
Hopefully this is a wake up call to the powers that be and whoever has the power to, will get rid of the clowns Bettman and Goodenow, they are nothing but trouble, and it seems the talks have went so much better without them. I also find it ironic that neither side is really making any public statements beyond short little blips....that tells me they probably don't even want those arse clowns involved (can I say arse?).
Bottom line for me, if there is no hockey yet this year, yeah, it's gonna **** not watching playoffs or seeing the Cup awarded, but if the game comes back next year improved and ready to go, then so be it. I just want my NHL back
Bottom line for me, if there is no hockey yet this year, yeah, it's gonna **** not watching playoffs or seeing the Cup awarded, but if the game comes back next year improved and ready to go, then so be it. I just want my NHL back
wingnut888
Verified Trader,
will-411 said:
Cory & Phil, that's gonna be the best part about the Bowman blue line. The lesser skilled defenseman that do most of the clutching and grabbing will be at the mercy of the more higher skilled players that can make the long pass with the more open ice area. The more I think about it the more it makes sense. If there isn't a season hopefully they can square everything away before the next one starts..(whenever that is..
)
P
PhilM
Guest
Whoop, I think Cory's right, learn me to not watch Making the Cut.
I'm thinkign of some other idea, that was put out there by someone :S
I'm thinkign of some other idea, that was put out there by someone :S
ssa6
Registered Trader
I really think they should either bring back touch-up offsides or dont let the golie handle the puck behind the net. Maybe even both. The golie should still be allowed to handle it infront of the goal line and maybe towards the corners too, but not directly behind the net. I think a big reason for less scoring is less forchecking. If forward arent forchecking 1)they cant score and 2) the other team can't score because the forwards are skating backwards around the blue line instead of throwing their bodies around in the corners. I also like the no red line but honestly dont think it would make a HUGE difference. Just think how many time the puck is rolled in behind the net the golie stops it and either clears it out himself or the defencemen skate it out with little or no resistance. Wouldnt you rather see even half the time someone getting taken out in the corner and the puck thrown out infront of the net. I know I would and there would be way more chance created this way than the one or two chances created by despiration 2-line passes. Sorry for the long read what do you guys think?
