Insider calls for a rule change after Leafs rookie has 1st career NHL goal disallowed
During a game this past Thursday in Detroit, Leafs rookie Bobby McMann scored what we all thought was his first career NHL goal - an exciting moment for the 26-year-old undrafted rookie to say the least. However, the goal was called back due to what the officials called a "distinct kicking motion".
In the most recent edition of 32 Thoughts, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that he wasn't a fan of the call, given the fact that McMann wasn't even attempting to kick the puck into the net, but rather up to his stick, which would have led to a good goal. Not only is Friedge not a fan of the call - he'd like to see a rule change altogether.
"Hated to see a potential first NHL goal for Bobby McMann erased last week in Detroit on a kicked puck. Letter of the law was absolutely correct, but he wasn't even trying to score. He was trying to send it to his stick, so he could shoot properly. Would have been an awesome moment for the 26-year-old, who finally cracked the NHL while his father tagged along on the dads' road trip.
Possible solution: in 2016, the WHL eliminated "distinct kicking motion" from its rule book. As long as the puck was outside the crease, a score off a player's skate became a goal. That eliminated the need for a referee and/or video-goal judge to decide. I like it. I'd like to see the NHL consider it."
-Elliotte Friedman on the NHL altering the rules to allow for more of these types of goals to count
I, too, would like to see this rule altered and I'm sure that many others would as well. If the NHL's goal is to provide fans with a more exciting product, then they should be finding ways to generate more goals - not less.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
17 JANVIER | 152 ANSWERS Insider calls for a rule change after Leafs rookie has 1st career NHL goal disallowed Do you think the NHL should do away with the "distinct kicking motion" rule and allow pucks to be kicked in from outside the crease? |
Yes | 60 | 39.5 % |
No | 92 | 60.5 % |
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