So, nothing doing in November for the NHL. Like, you, I starve for a return, but with certain stipulations
1) A Lighter Schedule
Seriously, the season starts with such half heart into games, then just lags at the end, so it's time to put some life into it by shortening up the schedule. Here's my formula:
4 games against the 4 teams in your division for a total of 16
3 games against the other 10 teams in your conference for a total of 30
Finally, 2 games against the 15 teams in the other conference for another 30
So there you have it. A nice 76 game schedule. Don't worry, I've already got an idea to fill in the six missing action nights. BTW, the NHL had a 76 game schedule from 1967/68 to 1969/70.
2) Some Exhibition Games With The KHL
I actually kind of like that league, and I'd better love it now! So why not bring some teams over here for some exhibition games with NHL teams at various points in the schedule. It could replace the midseason all-star game, but don't worry, I got better spot for that!
3) All-Star Game Moved To The Start Of The Season
Again, this was something they used to do, prior to 1967. I think it would be a good way to kick of the season on a larger scale. Also, it would mean more to make the team. You make the All-Star Team (for the All-Star Game) for a half year's worth. Why not make it for a full season's worth? Plus, you could start the team (like they did before) with The First Team All-Stars starting 6 VS The Second All-Stars starting six. The rest could be voted in, thus giving some consolation (taking into effect the FULL previous season) to those who weren't name first or second!
4) Fix The Points Awarded For Wins And Losses
Look, I got no problem with the shootout, other than I'm no longer excited when a penalty shot is awarded because I see 15 times a set of 3 each season by each team. The problem I have is that there is a different between winning decisevly in a 60 minute game, and ducking it for 60 minutes plus 5 minutes of OT.
Why not 3 points for a win in 60- 65 minutes, but only 2 points for a win in a shootout. Or even only two points for a win in OT (Artificial situation 4 on 4 is, I saw!). Keep the 1 point for a OT or SO loss. But don't give a team that pulls it out in a SO the same amount for points another team would get for winning 6-0!
5) No Hitting Close To The Boards And More Charging Penalites
The NHL deserves some credit for clamping down on concussion problems, such as no head shots. They should also look more at rule 42 in hockey: charging! Honestly, I remember back in the day when it was two or three deliberate strides in the direction of a player and then contact, and you're in the box.
Really, that above would cut down on so many concussions. But they never call charging. Honest. I rarely if ever see that imposed. We'd see less head shots if it was illegal to take more than 1 stride in the direction of a skater, or goalie.
And while we're at it, lets stop with the hitting into the boards. Heck, this would not only greatly reduce concussions, it would also reduce injuries to the arms, legs, hips.
I mean, I aways shuttered when a player goes hard into the boards, even if it's not the head that hits it. A lot of broken arms and legs, we see this too much.
So I came up with an idea. Basically, there should be a red line that goes in a circle around the rink, seven feet out from the boards on either boards, then joining up with the goal line behind each of the cages. The deal is, no hitting in the direction of the boards when a player is inside this line. And that includes the end boards as well. You can hit the player parallel to the boards in this area, but not into the boards.
6) No Touch Icing
As with above, there would be less injuries, and that includes concussions. I mean, how many times have you seen a player chase for the puck, come up second best in the grand chase, and end up injured? And yes, I know it would slow down the pace of the game, but aren't we thinking about protecting the players here?
7) A team in Quebec
I mentioned this before in a previous blog!
8) Any More Suggestions YOU would like?
9) " " " " " "
10) " " " " "
No comments:
Post a Comment