RDO Camp

The time has come for some rule changes to be tested and looked at. Some rules such as the verification line are completely necessary and seem to make perfect sense for and should be implemented this season. This line is a green line that is three inches into the net and parallel to the goal line. Since the puck has a diameter of three inches, this line would make it easier for video review of goals. If the puck touches this line it obviously is across the goalline and a fair goal. if it doesnt touch the line then it ccantpossibly be 100% across the goalline and so there is no goal scored. I really hope this is brought into the league this season due to the high number of blown calls on goals, or shots that should not have been goals. Some rules, like the potential comeback of the rule allowing the team on the powerplay to have the full two minutes of advantage time regardless of goals scored. This rule was removed due to a high powered Montreal powerplay back in the fifties. Though this rule would be fun to watch for teams that have high powerplay percentages already, it would put teams that have struggled on the powerplay at a clear disadvantage. A team that could not get it done even one time in a two minute powerplay is not going to get it done just because they can score more than once. Teams that depend on their powerplay for offense, and get it, would be top of the divisions and conferences due to this clear advantage to them. I really would hate to see this one make it out alive from the RDO camp. One again a shallower net is being tested and it seems like a pretty good idea, not as good as getting rid of the stupid trapezoid rule which is also being looked into during this years camp. I really cant wait to see what this will hold for the NHL, it should be a great year to be a hockey fan.

High hopes but questions remain

The Bruins are already looking at having to start defending their hard fought for title of Stanley Cup Champions, and with that title defense approaching there are many lingering questions. First, when will Marchand be resigned or will he ever be resigned? Many fans are waiting for the news that this star rookie has in fact been resigned and will remain in Boston for a long time. With his stellar showing through the entire 2010-2011 season we can only hope he stays around. Another question that is being raised is what can we expect from Tyler Seguin this season? He showed some flashes of brilliance during the regular season and exploded in his first two playoff games for six points. He could be seeing an increase in ice time after showing he can handle playing at the pro level. With the gained experience of the playoffs, especially a very long run like the one seen this past season, he has gotten a taste of what it takes to be a champ and hopefully will carry that attitude forward through his career. Another question is how w much can be expected of new comers Joe Corvo and Benoit Pouliot. Throughout his career Corvo has shown he plays a style suited to playing for the B's. Having contributed to the offense while playing a hard hitting, intense game which what the Bruins really need. Corvo's hard nosed style is the exact opposite of the game that Kaberle played while in Boston. Being less of a hitter, and not used to playing the Bruins style, Kaberle had trouble fitting in and getting into a rhythm. Corvo shouldnt have too many transitional issues coming into the Bruins organization. On the other hand is Pouliot who has not really shown himself to be a great points producer and has shown while playing for the hated Habs that he will take some very untimely penalties. His playoff production has never been that great which is a problem if Chiarelli is looking to replace the loss of Ryder with this addition. Ryder had his own consistency issues but come playoffs was always elevating his game. Pouliot has yet to show that kind of willingness to elevate his game. With the guidance of a coach like Claude Julien hopefully Pouliot will find more of a scorers touch in Boston.