Hockey fans around the world know hockey is a fast, physical, yet graceful game. It seems year after year the players in the NHL are faster and more skillful. Just look at the last 10 years worth of NHL rookies: Nathan Mackinnon, Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Connor Bedard, and on and on. These are elite, skilled, and world class talent. The game has changed some to help these players flourish and score more.
Look at some of the last few years of rule changes and adoption of more strict penalty calling. Strictly called hooking and slashing penalties around the hands. Stricter calling of cross checking in front of the net and slashing around the skates. Smaller goalie gear. During the regular season these are all strictly enforced, and we get to see the talent do what they do…score.
However, come playoff time, when the players put their razors away and let the playoff beards grow, a “new” set of rules start to emerge. Those “new” rules are simply old school hockey. All of a sudden, the officials lose their whistles.
I’m not complaining… I love it. It’s the tradition of NHL hockey. This is when the war of attrition begins. Who can play through the big hits? Who is going to step up to fight? Who can play through those crosschecks in front of the net to screen the goalie?
It’s the way hockey started out. It’s the way hockey has always been. It’s fun… It’s entertaining… It’s old school…It’s NHL playoff hockey!
Authority Athletics is a member of the Fanatics Affiliate Program. We receive a commission on any purchases made through these links at new expense to the buyer. We really appreciate your support. It helps us do what we do!
Be the first to comment