With the changing format of the All-Star Game, maybe it’s time to consider some other new interesting ideas around the NHL.

First, on the issue of flagrant diving (ala Phil Kessel). To address diving, which has no place in an honorable, men’s game, provide the league with the ability to suspend a player without pay for an indisputable, flagrant dive. This will send a strong signal to all the divers out there
that won’t take the risk of fine and suspension.

Second, the issue of awarding three points for an overtime/shootout game. Rather than the current format of awarding one point each in regulation time to both teams and an extra point for an overtime/shootout win for a total of three points, here’s a better potential solution. Award each team a half point after a regulation tie. Award a full extra point for the overtime/shootout winner. Winning team gets 1.5 points The losing team gets a half point (0.5 point). This would encourage teams to win in regulation and end the frustration of fans/teams with the awarding of three point games. Three point games are especially frustrating down the playoff stretch as team trying to catch a team in a playoff positions are disadvantaged by the awarding of three points.