The slow regression.......

[Larry Goodenough]

....can't be.

Refs are graded on each and every game they are involved with.

Unless the supervision is being handled by Stevie Wonder it is pretty clear the league is aware of the way games are being called.

There is a reason this is happening.

We can speculate as to the hows and whys but the truth is out there...

In true NHL style, the complaints at next weeks GM meetings will be loud. The league will then direct refs to call more. Thereby, changing rules in the middle of the season, again....

[coco_canuck]

We can speculate as to the hows and whys but the truth is out there...

I think it's pretty clear what's happening.

Elliotte Friedman was talking about supplementary discipline, and how some of these longer suspensions are really hurting teams. One example he used was Wiesnewski and his 8 game suspension to start the year, and how that contributed to the Jackets horrible start that killed their season.

The feeling is that tough suspensions are really hurting teams.

Before you ask what the problem is, I'd have to say a lack of fortitude and most importanly self-preservation. NHL GM's and Coaches aren't the best to ask when it comes to discipline, because they're in a bottom line business, and only winning will save their jobs.

But of course, the NHL can't be more lenient in suspensions, at least not obviously so, during a time when concussions are a hot-button issue.

So what's the easy way out?

Calling the game differently, slowing it down by allowing obstruction, and when certain questionable hits happen, try to get off on a technicality if possible.

We've seen more borderline hits slide in terms of suspensions than we saw earlier in the season, and it's obvious the game is being officiated differently.

I just wish the NHL wouldn't play it's audience for fools all the time, hiding behind some bullshit technicality or giving us the "players are adapting" song and dance.

[donlever]

Elliotte Friedman was talking about.....

I just wanna say that this cat is growing on me.

The rest of your post speaks for itself and I have nothing of any influence to add.

[mathonwy]

We can speculate as to the hows and whys but the truth is out there...

I think it's pretty clear what's happening.

Elliotte Friedman was talking about supplementary discipline, and how some of these longer suspensions are really hurting teams. One example he used was Wiesnewski and his 8 game suspension to start the year, and how that contributed to the Jackets horrible start that killed their season.

Elliotte Friedman is one of my favourite analysts on CBC. Every time he opens his mouth, you know whats coming out is insightful. I would very much like to see him on TSN.

[dbr]

Elliotte Friedman was talking about.....

I just wanna say that this cat is growing on me.

The rest of your post speaks for itself and I have nothing of any influence to add.

30 Thoughts is required reading every Monday (or Tuesday, when he doesn't get around to posting it on time).

I almost never catch HNIC anymore so I'm not sure how that gig is working for him but in terms of online content he's top notch.

[Benjo]

Shanahan made it clear that suspensions would be harsher this year so I'm not sure why these GM's are so surprised. At some point they need to stop blaming front office and holding their players responsible for not putting Shanahan in the position of having to hand down discipline.

I can't think of a suspension more deserving than Wisniewski's this season. He drilled Buttercup in the head long after the buzzard had sounded and Buttercup had not even touched the puck. He put himself first when he made that hit and if I was his coach/gm I would have sat him additional games for going full retard.

[donlever]

long after the buzzard had sounded

Perhaps this was Wisniewskis issue?

[coco_canuck]

I just wanna say that this cat is growing on me.

I'm with you, Mathonwy and dbr.

30 thoughts is the best weekly hockey article you can read, and his rational, analytical and well researched style is the best part of HNIC.

With him there's no hidden agenda or sensationalism, he tells it like he sees and hears it.

[Benjo]

People often complain that he's Montreal biased, and while that may be the case it doesn't really come across that way in the 30 thoughts. He seems to be one of the best guys for actually using his media access. Oftentimes he'll poll opinion around the league to find what other GMs are thinking i.e. the Hodgson trade.

[wienerdog]

+1 on Freidman.

Good stuff, and a real diamond in the dirt that is the national (and many local) media hacks.

[Larry Goodenough]

The Penguins are now lamenting the slow regression

Make sure to check out the first line "NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman couldn't have been more dismissive."

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburght ... 86174.html

So I assume both Shero and Gillis said something at the GM meetings? It will be interesting to see how games are called this week after things were said.

Bob McKenzie says look out for a rash of too many men penalties as refs are to be reminded of the "5 foot rule" during line changes.

[donlever]

...so the leagues answer is to ignore the hooking, holding and slashing which is rearing it's ugly head again and start calling more to many men penalties?

Sigh.

Gets their stats back up where they can lie to us again anyways.

[Aaronp18]

...so the leagues answer is to ignore the hooking, holding and slashing which is rearing it's ugly head again and start calling more to many men penalties?

I hear designs are also in the works to lower the glass so that there are more delay of game penalties as well

We need more power-plays, these seem like two logical solutions to that problem!

[clem]

I'd rather crack down on the clutching, grabbing, holding & tackling.

Folks need to make up their minds. Do they want teams with little skill, to be competitive, or do they want to see exciting hockey skill?

Should we nullify skill advantage between teams when their point difference gets excessive, so poor teams can market better? Easy to do - just allow more tackling from that point in the season.

[donlever]

I'd rather crack down on the clutching, grabbing, holding & tackling.

..as would the majority of fans like you.

The league on the other hand....