Bruins’ Brad Marchand called the new faceoff violation rule a ‘joke’ and he doesn’t understand why the on-ice officials need to enforce it as they did during Boston’s 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens Monday night in Quebec.
The NHL decided during the offseason that there would be strict enforcement of the faceoff procedure. If two players from the same team are in violation, a minor penalty will be called. That was the case numerous times during league-wide action on Monday and the players weren’t happy.
“This faceoff rule is an absolute joke,” Marchand said after the team’s practice Tuesday at Warrior Ice Arena. “That’s how you ruin the game of hockey by putting that in there, so they’re going to have to do something about that because we can’t play this year like that. It’s brutal.”
The preseason is a chance to implement and enforce new rules for 2017-18 and it was evident the officials are making sure the players understand what’s expected moving forward. There’s also a new slashing rule. In the past it was considered a “hockey play” when a player used his stick to make contact with a player that had the puck. Many players suffered hand and wrist injuries as a result, so moving forward, it will be a penalty.
Marchand, who’s on the giving and receiving end of this type of play, said he had no issues with the enforcement of this rule.
“Seems like every year they’re making these huge changes. I know they’re trying to add a little more offense in the game and make it a little more exciting, but you don’t want to ruin the game. That’s frustrating for everyone. I know a lot of people I’ve spoken to the last few days stopped watching games because it was so annoying with the new changes.
“You can make changes and try to better the game but you can’t put ones in that ruin it.”
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy had the linesmen in the locker room before Monday’s game to instruct the centers, but prior to tonight’s game, the officials will address everyone.
As far as the new slashing call, Cassidy is all for it.
“They’re going to over-call it so the players adjust,” Cassidy said. “Players will adjust and the coaches will find different ways, but we’ve always taught stick-to-puck and it’s a habit to whack. Sometimes it can be effective, but the players will adjust quickly. They’ll have to or you’re going to be killing all night.”
Untitled from Boston Sports Journal on Vimeo.