The rules backlash

[USCHO Newsbot]

It sounds like fans aren’t real happy with the way games are being called in the WCHA so far this season under the rules emphasis designed to crack down on obstruction of the puck carrier. At least, that’s the way it has come into commissioner Bruce McLeod’s office. He told Kevin Pates of the Duluth News [...]

More at uscho.com/blogs ... (http://www.uscho.com/blogs/from_the_press_box/toddmilewski/20081106/the-rules-backlash.html)

[LynahFan]

To determine if the rules emphasis is helping 5x5 goal scoring, you have to look at goals scored per minute of 5x5. Even then, if a team regularly builds 3-goal cushions on their power plays, their 5x5 goal scoring will undoubtedly decrease, as they can focus more on defense during 5x5.

[Goon]

Personally I think the officials have done pretty well so far this season.

[sagard]

I'm guessing the 5x5 goals per 60 minutes is roughly the same. Just the total minutes of 5x5 per game have decreased.

As long as total goals per game, I'm guessing the rules are having the desired effect.