It is funny how when you look at experimentation and “tinkering”, how you can sour on such things so quickly. The RDC concluded yesterday and though there were several ideas worth experimenting, there was little talk about the elimination of a certain rule that would have a profound fantasy impact. Yes we are talking about the trapezoid rule or better known as “The Bobby Clarke rule”.
Sure lots of other things were being tabled, especially with the shallow nets with a little more clear plastic for vision. Those are all very nice including the curved glass to minimize the effects of certain hits. Back to the BCR as I like to call it. Will it be rescinded at last? I guess we will find out soon enough but taking the goalie out of certain situations. Here are some issues that fans had with the rule itself.
1. Defensemen lost a major buffer when chasing down some pucks.
2. Injuries indeed went up.
3. A case of sour grapes.
4. Power plays actually slowed down a bit at times.
5. The overall pace of the game has been impacted.
Some of these can be argued honestly but #2 is something that cannot. Think of how many defensemen were hurt last year because goalie could not handle the puck outside of the trapezoid, in those corners where defensemen have to stretch just a little more. Would a forward go as hard into a goalie? That answer is actually no. The numbers are not drastic but they are noticeable. Why else do you think the league is looking into “hybrid icing”? I rest my case.
Injuries are going to keep heading upward if the rule is not erased. People forget that quite a few of these happen in the preseason as well. Once is an accident, twice is a trend, then what is 25th, just for a thought? The NHL just seems to turn the other way on this rule but at what point do they sit there and think well this could actually help the safety of the league, nevermind the fantasy impact.
The sour grapes stems from GM’s who did not have goalies who could handle the puck. The “jealous child” syndrome morphed into Bobby Clarke getting this rule passed. Philadelphia seemed to always lose to a goalie who was one of the best in all time in handling the puck (Martin Brodeur). Did it make an impact? Some think it definitely did but from a fantasy impact, the trapezoid has made a negative impact almost all around.
The pace of the game does slow at times when the goalie does not play the puck. Some are going to debate this a ton. A counter is offered that the goalie slows down the game when handling said pucks but actually look at the better puck handlers. They actually speed the game up by getting to the biscuit faster than a defenseman or forward. Seconds literally pass by in those dump and chase scenarios and the goalie looks like a beach bum sitting in the net. If the fan notices this, how does the NHL miss that? Do they just choose to ignore it?
One thing is clear, increased offense should not come at the expense of the game. Honestly, a faster pace would increase offense more than anything else. That may sound like opinion but the fact is the trapezoid’s time is up. It is time to let the goalie play the puck anywhere he wants and if he has to be fair game then so be it. The fantasy impacts are immeasurable. Power plays will be just a little faster and the play in general will be a hair faster. When the league complained about the speed of the game, this should have been the first or second thing they looked at.
There is no doubt, most everyone would be on board with this, unless your name is Bobby Clarke and a few select GM’s who still want to penalize goaltenders for having a talent. The league is about letting the best shine, well apply it to the netminders as well. The puck is on your side of the ice, NHL. If the rule is rescinded, it will be interesting to see how power plays are impacted and pace.
Have at it fans, what is your say here? Comment away and let us know. Thanks again.
