DETROIT - Don’t expect to see no-touch icing in the NHL in the near future.
The concept was discussed once again at Monday’s GM meetings in Detroit, but it will not be passed on to the board of governors as a recommendation for next season.
“Many GMs are still very concerned about maintaining the flow of games,” said Florida GM Jacques Martin. “If you watched the games in the World Championship and junior games, there are many stoppages because of icing.”
Martin and Chicago GM Dale Tallon both said the GMs are recommending referees crack down on contact between players chasing the loose puck.
Detroit GM Ken Holland said there was talk about injury disclosure. Holland said he doesn’t mind disclosing injuries through most of the regular season, but is against it late in the regular season and also in playoffs.
“I think too much information could put a player’s health at risk,” Holland said.
An example of Holland’s concern came in this year’s Stanley Cup final when Pittsburgh’s Gary Roberts took a shot at Detroit’s Johan Franzen’s head.
Franzen missed action in the final because of concussion-like symptoms.
Monday, June 02, 2008
NHL talks about the no touch icing rule.
This would be a good thing if the NHL changed this rule. The rule might not happen this year or next but it will happen eventually.
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I don't mind the no-touch rule as long as the officials are somewhat stringent on the skaters making their best effort to get to the puck.
ReplyDeleteThere's too many instances in the WCHA where the defenseman is blocking an opponent rather than trying to get to the puck.
Whistler good point. I think the NHL is probably a few years away from this rule but it will happen in the next 4-10 years. I think we have gotten closer to it but the NHL is still a couple of major injuries away from it. I think that is a shame as well...
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