Fundin
Registered User
- May 11, 2015
- 78
- 0
The NHL rulebook specifies that the center is to be replaced after the first faceoff violation - in this case, I am specifically referring to when a winger encroaches into the circle prematurely before the puck is dropped. The IIHF rules go a little deeper, if you will:
"If one of the other skaters not taking the faceoff enters the faceoff circle prematurely, and the puck has already been dropped, game action will be stopped and the faceoff will be re-taken, unless the opposing team gains possession of the puck. If play is stopped, the skater of the offending team taking the faceoff must be replaced."
My question is, would the NHL follow the same procedure? The NHL rules only cover when the puck has yet to be dropped, whereas the IIHF has this. There are subtle (and some not-so-subtle) differences between the two sets of rules, but I could see the NHL linesmen following this protocol. Anyone have any idea? It certainly makes good sense. I assume in cases where possession is murky, they hold it again.
"If one of the other skaters not taking the faceoff enters the faceoff circle prematurely, and the puck has already been dropped, game action will be stopped and the faceoff will be re-taken, unless the opposing team gains possession of the puck. If play is stopped, the skater of the offending team taking the faceoff must be replaced."
My question is, would the NHL follow the same procedure? The NHL rules only cover when the puck has yet to be dropped, whereas the IIHF has this. There are subtle (and some not-so-subtle) differences between the two sets of rules, but I could see the NHL linesmen following this protocol. Anyone have any idea? It certainly makes good sense. I assume in cases where possession is murky, they hold it again.