Great Start, Strong Storylines, and Loathing Video Review: The NHL’s biggest issue
I’ve got a confession: At this moment, I loathe video review.
Let’s be honest: I was all-in on replay when it arrived. When Erik Karlsson’s glove-aided goal was overturned in the 2019 Western Conference Final, I felt “Get the call right” was all that mattered. Now, we’ve reached a point where the reviews take waaaaaaaaaaaaay too long, dissecting millimeters along the blue line or centimeters in the crease. Fans paying money to watch games must hate it.
If I worked in the NHL video room, I’d ghost everyone. “Sorry, didn’t see you called. Eradication isn’t acceptable. You need the best system to prevent embarrassment in Game 7 Stanley Cup Final.
Here’s what needs fixing:
Suggested Solutions to Video Review Chaos
• Change the offside rule: Outside edge of the blueline counts as IN the zone. Ken Daniels has advocated this for years. More goals would stand.
• One coach suggested giving each team a “bank” of challenges. Maybe 10. If win, they stay at same. If they lose, they lose one. Strategy involved:
• Another coach had idea. NHL commissioner Bettman’s philosophy boils down to: Only overturn if dead wrong. With that as baseline, create a time limit. If not resolved, not dead wrong. Agree. Argue amongst yourselves, but should be tried in preseason. .
• Final decision should to central NHL video room. Know, they’
Board of Governors Notes
• Things always be discussed, and shouldn’t be tough, there’s impression that’
• Bettman admitted flexibility raise the cap higher than mandated $92.5M, but reason he won’t make it guarantee, final has to be negotiated. will be process; see what NHL prioritizes exchange.
• Discussions begin February (since attend Four Nations). Bettman admitted would like by Game 1 State of Union. wondered if paper-
• might be years, but players have been asked about and aren’t against idea. believe the NHL will 84-game regular season, exhibition to games. Might not be couple, but players have asked. have asked.
Germany focus on Germany, player happens to be
• Florida and Tampa Bay pushed league to outdoor in Florida. A few said creative needed. would like to this. I like it, and I the NHL afraid to.
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