What was the deal in 1928-29?

[Squeaky]

There was a serious dip in scoring in the NHL that year. For example, the Habs allowed 43 goals in 44 games that year. Leagues highest scorer was Ace Bailey with 32 points.

27-28: 836 goals scored
28-29: 642 goals scored
29-30: 1301 goals scored

So I'm curious, was there a rule change that year or something that can explain this?

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[Chili]

I don't believe that forward passing was allowed in the offensive zone.

Try to imagine that in the clutch and grab era.

Edit:

Major rule changes:

1928-29 - forward passing permitted in defensive and neutral zones and into attacking zone if pass receiver is in neutral zone when pass is made. No forward passing allowed inside attacking zone.


1929-30 - Forward passing permitted inside all three zones but not permitted across either blue line.

 

[Squeaky]

Wow, that's a crazy rule. Thanks for the info.

 

[BlueBomber]

Oh wow, that's incredible that they used to play without forward passing in the offensive zone.

 

[Chili]

Oh wow, that's incredible that they used to play without forward passing in the offensive zone.

George Hainsworth got 22 shutouts in the 44 games that season but Tony Esposito's 15 shutouts is considered the 'modern' record because of that rule.