There is a new green verification line that runs three and a quarter inches behind the goal-line and shallower nets that feature thin mesh along the top and a clear plastic skirt along the bottom.
This is being done to allow for easier video replays. If the puck touches the green line at all, it's a goal.
Shallow nets were also tested.
The new nets are four inches shallower will require more of an adjustment from goaltenders, but won’t be implemented anytime soon. In fact, the league currently only owns the two that will be in use on Monday night and would need to gain approval from the competition committee before they were used across the league in meaningful games. Those nets will definitely not be put into play this season mainly because of how long it would take to manufacture enough goal cages so each team had two in its practice rink and two in its game rink.
Regardless of the net dept, three other changes are planned that could take effect as soon as the season begins. Thinner mesh at the top of the nets and the clear plastic lining near the goal posts are two of those changes (along with the green line).
The three changes were tested Monday night in the preseason game between the Maple Leafs and Senators at Air Canada Centre along with the shallow net. All changes will be approved by the NHLPA before becoming part of the game.
"We work together with the PA and we've talked to them about this and they've been with us along the way," NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell told NHL.com. "It's something we need them to know about. We try to operate with no surprises."
To see the nets in action, check out this recap of the game.
You can clearly see during the fight the clear plastic lining. The overhead shots show that green line and clear mesh up top.
For more on today's meetings in New York City by the Board of Governors, let's go to this wrap up video.
As you can see, there is no time to be wasted as the Board wants to have a vote on the realignment in December. Top among the list of priorities is to move Winnipeg west.
But then who moves east? Nashville, Columbus and Detroit want to come to Eastern Conference.
"Selfishly we want to move to the East, but maybe there are scenarios where we would be OK with staying where we are, or maybe there is a bigger realignment out there that we would favor," Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson told NHL.com. "So, we're open to it. We have some strong views on why we want to move to the East, but we're certainly cognizant of some of the other teams' concerns.
The debate seems to center on how much the governors want to change the current system, which has been effective. The League is playing to roughly 90-percent capacity with natural geographic rivalries buzzing in locations such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, New York and New Jersey, Calgary and Edmonton, Los Angeles and Anaheim, and Detroit and Chicago.
"I think everyone recognizes that there are challenges in satisfying everyone," Oilers President Kevin Lowe told NHL.com. "The overall mood of the group was to try to work collectively, understanding we have a pretty good system going so far over the last number of years, the playoff formats are good, and you don't want to disrupt that too much."
There have been previous talks of going down to just four total divisions, two sevens and two eights. There was no indication that would happen at this meeting.
So, how would you divide the divisions?
Simply color the circles with four or six different colors (for the divisions) and draw a line between the conferences.
You know, I haven't heard talks about the conferences needing to remain equal number. That might be the best solution. Put sixteen teams in the east and fourteen in the west. Baseball does it.
If that were to happen, I would definately cut the number of teams that make it to the playoffs. Sorta a combo of the NFL and MLB playoffs. Six teams per conference. Top two get a bye in a best of five opening series. Then, best of seven through the Stanley Cup.
I don't think that will happen though.
One final note: The Panthers and Predators split that doubleheader and yes, they had fresh rosters for both games. It was also the first time the new Preds jersey hit the ice. I like the results. And it looks like the new Panthers red jerseys will not make an appearance till opening night.
I am still loving the Nashville sweaters. Can't wait to see the home yellows in action.
TTFN
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