NHL to likely adopt new KHL overtime rule being tested
The KHL has recently tested a new overtime rule where teams get penalized for taking the puck back into their ice half. The NHL may finally be doing the same.
NHL fans love watching 3-on-3 overtime as it provides plenty of space on the ice and multiple 2-on-1 or breakaway scoring chances. There is something that isn't so good with this style of play however, and that's when players continue to circle back with the puck and skate it back into their own half of the ice. Fans say that style is ruining the flow of the overtime.
The KHL in Russia has finally tested a new rule that prohibits players from skating the puck back in their own half of the ice in overtime once they cross into enemy territory. Any player caught doing that will receive a penalty.
In the video below, you will be able to see what happens when a player accidentally lets the puck cross the center line back into their own end. The referee immediately blows the whistle and calls a warning. The play gets stopped and the puck gets brought into the defensive zone of the team in violation for a face-off so that the opponents get a scoring chance. A second violation by the same team in overtime will result in an immediate penalty.
The KHL is serious about implementing this rule but is first testing it out in their junior hockey league, the MHL. Should the results be positive from this experiment, they will be implementing it in their league very shortly.
A rule like this in the NHL would definitely speed up the flow of the game in overtime and teams would be forced to develop new strategies as they will no longer be able to take the puck back into their end to regroup. This could lead to a lot more open play as teams will be more prone to making mistakes.
The NHL would really take a strong look at testing this rule too if they see it works very well over in Russia. Fans have been long complaining to eliminate the shootout and just keep overtime longer instead until someone scores, so perhaps implementing this new rule could be the first step to eventually one day eliminate the shootout.
Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Popular new KHL rule could soon be adopted by the NHL
Popular new KHL rule could soon be adopted by the NHL
| POLL | ||
8 AOUT | 38 ANSWERS NHL to likely adopt new KHL overtime rule being tested Will the NHL ever adopt this new overtime rule? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 50 % |
| No | 19 | 50 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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