from erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune,

The league did take a step in that direction during the summer when it opted to use a more liberal interpretation on pucks that are directed in by a skate with officials looking for a more defined “distinct kicking motion” when plays are reviewed in the NHL Situation Room.

Perhaps it is time to start looking at another rule that needs to go — the intent to blow the whistle.

According to Rule 78.5, apparent goals shall be disallowed “when the referee deems the play has been stopped, even if he had not physically had the opportunity to stop play by blowing his whistle.”

This just seems defeatist to take a potentially legitimate goal off the board because the official was about to blow the play dead, but never actually followed through with the act.

It happened twice this week on goals that were negated on plays that would have been quick whistles, let alone quick “intent” to blow a whistle.

read on