With the completion of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NHL has rolled out rule changes. Much of these changes have already been tested in the American Hockey League. Will the changes create more scoring and a more exciting product? Club owners and players are both hoping it is so.
 

New Rink Dimensions

The next time you see an NHL game, live or on TV, you will clearly see some changes right on the ice itself. The blue lines have been moved closer together and the goal lines have been moved closer to the end boards. This results in an extra four feet in the offensive and defensive zones. Also, goaltenders cannot play the puck behind the goal line except for a single trapezoidal area right behind the net. This is done to avoid having the goaltender acting as a third defenseman.

 

Two-Line Pass Allowed

One of the three basic rules of hockey is being eliminated. Starting with the 2005-06 season, a player can legally complete a pass that crosses two lines. Previously a player had to make a pass that crossed only one line, which forced a three-zone style of play (defensive zone to neutral zone to offensive zone). With this rule change, the center red line is no longer meaningful. It is hoped that this change will create more offense through break-away passing and odd man rushes.

 

Two-Line Pass Allowed

One of the three basic rules of hockey is being eliminated. Starting with the 2005-06 season, a player can legally complete a pass that crosses two lines. Previously a player had to make a pass that crossed only one line, which forced a three-zone style of play (defensive zone to neutral zone to offensive zone). With this rule change, the center red line is no longer meaningful. It is hoped that this change will create more offense through break-away passing and odd man rushes.

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