The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) began play earlier this week in what is a huge step for women’s hockey. Most rules are consistent with those found in the NHL. However, the PWHL implemented a unique twist on penalty killing and it’s likely something the NHL should look at adopting.
Here’s the twist: If a team is killing a penalty and scores a shorthanded goal, the penalty is officially over. I’m curious how this will play out, but I like the idea for a couple reasons. The rule is definitely going to lead to more aggressive penalty killing. Shorthanded teams will begin to push the play instead of simply icing the puck down the ice. It may also lead to clubs utilizing more of their skilled forwards in shorthanded situations. This will certainly lead to more shorthanded goals, but the alternative is also true. More skilled forwards trying to kill penalties will result in more powerplay goals against as these players are generally less defensive minded and/or willing to block shots. Either way, scoring will likely increase!
What do you think? Should the NHL adopt the PWHL’s penalty killing rule?
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