Yesterday, we started to determine what the worst rule in the NHL is. While voting does not close until Monday, the "Intent to Blow" rule had a strong lead as of this writing. Yesterday I said today would be trapezoid vs the instigator rule. I changed my mind. Deal with it. Or, don't. Either way.
As we move forward, we will eliminate other rules, and move forward bracket style. Today's match up pairs a couple fo the favorites on Twitter. The Shootout vs the Trapezoid.
Here are the rules:
Shootout Rule 84.4
During regular-season games, if the game remains tied at the end of the five (5) minute overtime period, the teams will proceed to a shootout. The rules governing the shootout shall be the same as those listed under Rule 24 - Penalty Shot.
Trapezoid Rule 1.8
A restricted trapezoid-shaped area behind the goal will be laid out as follows: Five feet (5') outside of each goal crease (six feet (6') from each goal post), a two-inch (2") red line shall be painted extending from the goal line to a point on the end of the rink ten feet (10') from the goal crease (eleven feet (11') from the goal post) and continuing vertically up the kick plate (see diagram on the page iv preceding the table of contents). (Paint code PMS 186)
Why do these rules suck?
Shootout: Hockey is a team game. Two teams battle each other for 60 minutes, then for additional five minutes, with every player on each side giving everything they have to defeat their opponent. Passing, skating, physical play. All of this is what makes hockey... hockey.
Then, after the clock says it is too late, they make it about a one on one contest that used to be one of the most rare occuernces in the NHL. It means nothing that Mikko Koivu can beat Roberto Luongo one on one. The real test is when Koivu can beat Luongo with Kevin Bieska about to drive Koivu into next Tuesday.
The shoot out is an embarrassment that equates to field goal kickers squaring off to settle a game after over time. Ridiculous.
The Trapezoid: Put into place to prevent puck handling goalies from ending a forecheck before it started, this rule has not increased scoring, nor scoring chances. What it has done has made for more boarding calls as players charge in for a puck that normally would have been played away by a goalie. The check on Clayton Stoner by Curtis Glencross is a prime example.
A dumped in puck should not result in players injuring each other, and the removal of the trapezoid would likely remove at least some of the chances for injury. The number of goalies who excel at playing the puck is small, and making a rule such as this to defeat such a small sample is over reaction.
Besides... how many times have you seen the call get made?
Now, Wilderness... choose which rule makes it to the next round. Also, make your case in the comment section. Tomorrow, two new rules face off for the title of Worst Rule in the NHL.